Pelicans vs Grizzlies on 31 January
The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Memphis Grizzlies on January 31st in a crucial Regular Season clash at the Smoothie King Center. Both teams are fighting for playoff positioning in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, and this game will be pivotal for their aspirations. As the league enters the business end of the season, every matchup like this could be the difference between a postseason berth and an early summer. With so much at stake, let's break down the key tactical elements and highlight the matchups that will define this contest.
Pelicans: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Over the past five games, the New Orleans Pelicans have been on a mixed run, registering a 2-3 record. Their offensive approach has been centered around their superstar, Zion Williamson, who has returned to form after an injury-riddled season. However, while Zion’s dominance in the paint continues to be a key focal point for the Pelicans, their offensive output has shown both promise and inconsistency. Their average points per game in this stretch has been 115, bolstered by excellent shooting from the field (48.6%) and beyond the arc (37.2%). Still, turnovers remain a concern, with the Pelicans averaging 14.5 turnovers per game over this stretch, something they must fix to secure a win against a fast-paced Memphis team.
Defensively, the Pelicans are middle of the pack, ranking 14th in defensive rating. A major reason for this has been their struggle to control the glass, particularly on the offensive boards, where they rank 22nd in the league. This could be a critical issue against a Grizzlies side that thrives on second-chance points. New Orleans will need to lean heavily on their defensive stalwart, Herb Jones, to neutralize the Grizzlies’ perimeter threats and maintain defensive discipline in transition.
As for key players, Zion Williamson remains the engine that powers this Pelicans offense, averaging 25.3 points and 7.8 rebounds in the last five games. CJ McCollum’s shooting consistency will also be crucial, as his ability to space the floor and provide scoring support is vital to the Pelicans’ offensive balance. The availability of Brandon Ingram will be critical – when healthy, Ingram provides another layer of scoring and playmaking. If Ingram is sidelined, it will place added pressure on Williamson and McCollum to carry the load.
Grizzlies: Tactical Approach and Current Form
The Memphis Grizzlies are enjoying a strong run, having won four of their last five games. With Ja Morant leading the charge, the Grizzlies have been lethal in transition and in their half-court execution. Memphis ranks 3rd in the league in fast-break points (17.2 per game), and this pace is integral to their game. Morant’s ability to break down defenses and create open shots for his teammates has been a game-changer, with Desmond Bane emerging as a reliable secondary scorer, averaging 19.2 points in the last five games. Memphis's offense ranks 7th in the NBA in points per game, and they shoot 35.4% from three, a figure that has been bolstered by Bane and the often overlooked but potent Dillon Brooks.
Defensively, the Grizzlies remain one of the most formidable units in the league, ranking 2nd in defensive rating. This is due to their rugged defensive intensity and elite rim protection. Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a dominant force in the paint, leading the league in blocks with an average of 3.3 per game. His ability to protect the rim and alter shots will be crucial in limiting Zion Williamson’s impact in the paint. Additionally, Memphis’s switch-heavy defensive scheme makes it difficult for teams to find open shots, and they are among the top 10 teams in opponent’s three-point percentage (33.8%).
The key player for Memphis is undoubtedly Ja Morant. When he is in full flow, he can break down any defense with his combination of speed, vision, and finishing ability. However, his decision-making has been inconsistent at times, and this game will test his maturity. Bane’s shooting from the perimeter and Jackson’s interior defense will be crucial, as they provide the balance to Memphis’s offense and defense.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The Pelicans and Grizzlies have faced off twice so far this season, with the Grizzlies taking both games. The first encounter saw Memphis dominate 115-110 at home, thanks to a late-game surge led by Morant, while the second meeting ended with a 125-120 Memphis win, again driven by Morant’s clutch playmaking and Bane’s sharpshooting. Historically, Memphis has had the edge in recent seasons, winning 4 of the last 5 matchups. However, the Pelicans have proven to be a tough matchup when Zion and Ingram are both healthy. With the game being in New Orleans, the Pelicans will be eager to reverse their recent fortune and take one from Memphis.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most intriguing battles in this matchup will be Zion Williamson vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. in the paint. Williamson’s brute force and finishing around the rim will face the formidable shot-blocking and defensive awareness of Jackson. If Zion can find a way to consistently attack Jackson without getting blocked, he could dominate the game. However, if Jackson can slow Zion’s progression and force him into contested shots, the Grizzlies will have the advantage.
The second critical battle will be Ja Morant vs. the Pelicans’ perimeter defense. Morant is capable of breaking down defenders in isolation situations and creating open looks for teammates. The Pelicans will need to employ multiple defenders, including the quick-footed Herb Jones, to prevent Morant from getting into the lane and creating havoc. If the Pelicans can keep Morant from dictating the pace, they’ll have a chance to control the flow of the game.
Finally, the rebound battle will be vital. The Pelicans' struggles on the offensive glass have been well-documented, and against a Grizzlies team that excels at second-chance opportunities, New Orleans cannot afford to give up easy rebounds. The performance of Jonas Valančiūnas in the low post, both offensively and defensively, will be key in neutralizing Memphis’s edge on the boards.
Match Scenario and Prediction
The most likely scenario for this game is a high-paced, back-and-forth contest. Memphis will look to push the ball in transition and make use of their superior defense to stifle Zion’s paint presence. The Pelicans, on the other hand, will look to slow the game down, limiting the Grizzlies’ fast breaks while using Williamson’s strength to control the paint. With both teams capable of putting up big numbers, this will be a test of shooting efficiency and controlling the tempo.
In terms of game metrics, expect both teams to shoot over 45% from the field. However, Memphis’s superior shooting from beyond the arc (particularly Bane and Brooks) will likely give them an advantage in terms of spacing. Additionally, the Grizzlies’ defense will be the deciding factor – they will likely limit the Pelicans to under 110 points, especially if they can disrupt Zion’s rhythm in the paint. A Memphis victory seems probable, but the Pelicans will keep it close. The final score will likely see Memphis win by 5-7 points with a total score around 225-230.
Final Thoughts
The outcome of this game will hinge on the Pelicans’ ability to neutralize Morant’s playmaking and stop Jackson’s rim protection. For the Grizzlies, it’s about maintaining their defensive intensity while capitalizing on their offensive firepower. Can Zion overcome Memphis’s defense? Will Morant’s brilliance be too much for New Orleans to handle? This game will answer those questions.
