Memphis Grizzlies – New Orleans Pelicans: Zion vs Ja — Ja out
The Grizzlies host a Pelicans side in freefall. New Orleans still has a few players who can light up a game, but their lack of team discipline and massive defensive holes will hurt against a better-organised Memphis, even with a few notable absences.
Memphis Grizzlies: win as favorites 
The Grizzlies have been hit-and-miss lately. In their last five, Tuomas Iisalo’s men lost three: Thunder (116-117), Magic (111-118) and Hawks (122-124). Not blowouts, but losses that have cost them ground in the West Play-In chase. At home against a soft Pelicans side, they can’t afford a slip-up.
Without Ja Morant for this one, Memphis will have to move the ball to create good looks. With 29.0 assists per game they’re fifth in the league. Another edge: the boards. The Grizzlies grab 46.2 rebounds per game, fourth-best in the NBA this season — crucial for ending defensive possessions cleanly.
INJURY REPORT : Santi Aldama (OUT) – Brandon Clarke (OUT) – Zach Edey (OUT) – Ty Jerome (OUT) – Ja Morant (OUT) – Scotty Pippen Jr (OUT)
New Orleans Pelicans: sinking fast 
Only two wins since December 23 — the Pelicans have slid to the bottom of the Western Conference. That’s 14 losses in 16, and the only wins came against fellow strugglers Wizards (128-107) and Nets (116-113). New Orleans struggles versus quality teams, which is a real problem in an NBA where more clubs actually try to win.
Defense is dreadful — they concede 122.0 points per game, the third-worst mark in the league. Offense isn’t much better at 114.7 points per game, ninth-worst. Yes, Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and Jordan Poole can score, but the Pelicans’ good stretches are too rare to win consistently.
INJURY REPORT : Jose Alvarado (OUT) – Dejounte Murray (OUT) – Herb Jones (questionable)
NBA Prediction Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans
Grizzlies to win
Memphis knows how to cope without Ja and has produced strong performances without their star. The Pelicans are a mess on both ends, and at home the Grizzlies start with a huge edge — New Orleans couldn’t have worse momentum.
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