The Memphis Grizzlies (55-25) host the New Orleans Pelicans (36-44) in a battle on Saturday evening. Both teams are playing solid basketball as the playoffs approach. The Pelicans are 7-3 in their last 10 games, including a two-game win streak. Despite being on a two-game losing streak, Memphis is also 7-3 in its last 10 matchups. Memphis has locked in the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, while New Orleans will likely be the No. 9 seed and on its way to the play-in. Jonas Valanciunas (ankle) and Brandon Ingram (hamstring) are questionable for New Orleans. Ja Morant (knee) has been upgraded to questionable for Memphis after missing the last nine games.
Tipoff is at 6 p.m. ET at FedExForum. Caesars Sportsbook lists Memphis as the 6.5-point favorite in the latest Pelicans vs. Grizzlies odds. The over-under for total points is set at 230.5. Before locking in any Grizzlies vs. Pelicans picks, be sure to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters Week 25 of the 2021-22 NBA season on a stunning 84-54 roll on all top-rated NBA picks, returning over $2,400. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Grizzlies vs. Pelicans, and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Pelicans vs. Grizzlies:
- Pelicans vs. Grizzlies spread: Memphis -6.5
- Pelicans vs. Grizzlies over-under: 230.5 points
- Pelicans vs. Grizzlies money line: New Orleans +210, Memphis -260
- NO: Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as underdogs
- MEM: Grizzlies are 7-0 ATS in their last seven Saturday games
Featured Game | Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Why the Grizzlies can cover
Forward Dillon Brooks provides Memphis with a gritty perimeter defender with a well-rounded offensive game. Brooks has good range on his jumpers and has a knack for making the right play. The Oregon product averages 18.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He’s scored 20-plus in three of his last four games. On April 1, Brooks finished with 30 points, four rebounds and seven assists.
Guard De’Anthony Melton is another scrappy player on the defensive end. Melton has active hands and is a constant threat for steals. Melton also creates his own shot, aggressively attacking the basket. The USC product averages 10.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. Melton scored in double figures in nine straight games. On April 5, he had 11 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
Why the Pelicans can cover
Guard CJ McCollum is a fantastic three-level scoring option from the backcourt. McCollum has a strong mid-range game and possesses excellent range from 3-point land. The Lehigh product averages 22.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. He also shoots 39 percent from three. In his last contest, McCollum contributed 23 points, four rebounds, seven assists and went 5-for-10 from three.
Valanciunas (questionable, ankle) is a feisty rebounder who owns the offensive glass. Valanciunas knows how to position himself down low, using great size and athleticism. The 2011 first-round pick is seventh in the league in rebounds (11.5), along with 17.9 points per game. Valanciunas ranks third in the league in double-doubles (50). On April 1, he finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
How to make Pelicans vs. Grizzlies picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning under on the total, projecting 225 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50 percent of the time. You can only see the model’s pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Grizzlies vs. Pelicans? And which side of the spread hits well over 50 percent of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism