With both teams having rough seasons, bettors could win cash in tonight’s game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Pelicans. Both teams are having nightmare seasons, but could have a good game for fans and bettors tonight.
Today’s game could help the Grizzlies look good in the standings, even with a chance to play in the play-in games after an abysmal start to the season. With the franchise going through controversy and an owner being an alleged war criminal, the Grizzlies are looking to at least win a game tonight.
While the Grizzlies are going through off-court drama, the New Orleans Pelicans are having another rough season. With injuries derailing the franchise and their ambitions, it could get a win against a dysfunctional franchise tonight in the Big Easy.
Game Details
Date: January 30, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
TV/Streaming: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, Gulf Coast Sports, League Pass
Odds: (NOP -152, New Orleans -2.5, o/u 234.5)
Team Form & Recent Results
Memphis Grizzlies Recent Form
- Lost in a blowout against the Hornets, and losers of seven in their last ten games.
- 20th in PPG, 27tth in FG%, 5th in rebounds, 5th in assists.
- Memphis is hoping to snap a four-game losing streak before it gets worse for the franchise.
- Jaren Jackson scored 26 points, recorded four assists, and four rebounds.
- Coming off a brutal loss, alongside trade rumors for franchise star Ja Morant.
New Orleans Pelicans Recent Form
- Losers on Wednesday night in a blowout loss to the Thunder, and losers of six of ten games.
- New Orleans is ranked 21st in FG%, 24th in PPG, 16th in rebounds, and 27th in assists.
- Zion Williamson scored 21 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists in the losing effort.
- Lost three of five games, with a win against the Grizzlies in Memphis last Friday.
Key Storylines
- The Memphis Grizzlies will be without Zach Edey, Ja Morant, Santi Aldama, Brandon Clarke, and Scotty Pippen, while the New Orleans Pelicans will lose Dejounte Murray.
- Ty Gerome of the Grizzlies will be a game-time decision for the team against the Pelicans tonight.
- The Memphis Grizzlies are hoping to end their four-game losing streak in the midst of a nightmare season off the court, and hoping it won’t spill on the court.
- With the Grizzlies a mess right now, the Pelicans are having another poor season, but could bounce back against a dysfunctional team.
- Las Vegas is focusing on the Pelicans to rebound, due to the roster being healthy, while the Grizzlies are losing their stars tonight.
Players to Watch
Memphis Grizzlies
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
- The star forward of the Memphis Grizzlies is having another strong season with a double-double in his last five games and 26 points in the loss against the Hornets.
- Scored 26 points, four rebounds, and four assists in the win on Wednesday.
New Orleans Pelicans
- Saddiq Bey
- Bey had a strong line in the loss against the Thunder with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, showing he could be a solid starter.
- Had recorded two double-doubles in his last two games, with five double-digit points in his last five games.
Matchup Breakdown
Offense vs. Defense
This season for the New Orleans Pelicans has been putrid on both sides of the court offensively and defensively. The New Orleans offense has been playing poorly, ranking 21st in PPG, 24th in FG%, and 29th in 3PT per game. While the Pelicans’ offense is a weak spot right now, the defense is 27th in the league, and could have another rough game against the Grizzlies.
While the Pelicans are trying to bounce back from a crushing loss, the Memphis Grizzlies are trying to bounce back from a four-game losing streak. The Grizzlies are in chaos right now, losing four straight and losing seven of ten.
Memphis saving grace is their defense, ranking 11th in the league, and could make the Pelicans struggle in enemy court tonight. The offense for the Grizzlies is poor, ranking 20th in PPG.
Coaching / Strategy Notes
For the New Orleans Pelicans, they need to win the rebound game against the Grizzlies, who have been great in rebounds this season. Along with improving on the rebounding game, the Pelicans need to win the turnover battle, with both teams being low in turnovers this season. There is also a need to improve the offense with three-point shooting due to being poor this season.
While the Pelicans need to improve on their offense, the Memphis Grizzlies just need to let them collapse. Memphis needs to win the rebound game due to its strong rebounding roster, but it needs shooting from Jackson. For the Grizzlies to have a shot, they need to show out against a weak Pelicans lineup tonight in New Orleans.
Prediction
Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans 101, Memphis Grizzlies 109
How to Watch
- TV channel/Local broadcasts: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, Gulf Coast Sports
- Streaming: NBA League Pass
- Radio: SiriusXM
FAQ SECTION
Q: What time is the [Memphis Grizzlies] vs. [New Orleans Pelicans] game?
A: [The game will be on at 7:30 PM Eastern time for fans on the East Coast]
Q: Who is favored to win?
A: [The New Orleans Pelicans, due to the lineup being fully healthy, compared to the Grizzlies missing crucial players.]
Q: Where is the game being played?
A: [Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA]
Q: What are the betting odds?
A: [NOP -152, New Orleans -2.5, o/u 234.5]
Conclusion
While the New Orleans Pelicans have a healthier roster, the Memphis Grizzlies could pull a win against them to end the week. The Memphis defense has been playing well this season, and could win against the Pelicans and their weak offense.
New Orleans had a brutal loss against the Thunder, and the stink could get to them again, at home against a conference rival. While the line could be close, the Memphis Grizzlies could cover the line for bettors in a game about pride and fan interest of both teams to end a long week.
