Grizzlies vs Pelicans Prediction, Odds & Best Bets | NBA on TNT (12/19): Ja Morant Returns

Today’s Grizzlies vs Pelicans prediction is brought to you by BetDSI. BetDSI is a market leader in sportsbooks, offering a variety of options from the NBA to the NFL and everything in between.

After serving his 25-game suspension, Ja Morant makes his 2023-24 NBA debut when his Memphis Grizzlies (6-19) pay a visit to the New Orleans Pelicans (16-11) on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The Memphis Grizzlies have waived F/C Kenneth Lofton Jr., league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The move allows the Grizzlies to keep Bismack Biyombo as star guard Ja Morant makes his season debut Tuesday in New Orleans.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 19, 2023

Morant’s return couldn’t have come at a better time as the Grizzlies are currently on a five-game skid, most recently falling 116-97 to the Oklahoma City Thunder last night. The Pelicans, meanwhile, are gunning for a fifth straight win after notching a 146-110 victory against the San Antonio Spurs over the weekend.

Can Morant help Memphis return to prominence? Or will New Orleans continue with its winning ways?

Let’s stop wasting time and dive into this Grizzlies vs Pelicans betting preview, which includes my predictions and the best bets for tonight’s upcoming clash.

Grizzlies vs Pelicans NBA on TNT Tonight (Dec. 19)

Grizzlies vs Pelicans Matchup Information

• Matchup: Memphis Grizzlies (6-19, 5-8 Away) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (16-11, 9-4 Home)
• Venue & Location: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, LA)
• Date: Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023
• Game Time: 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time
• Grizzlies vs. Pelicans TV Channel Info: TNT

Grizzlies vs Pelicans Odds & Spread

Grizzlies vs Pelicans odds are courtesy of BetDSI as of Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 10:44 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Grizzlies vs Pelicans Spread

• Memphis Grizzlies +8.5 (-110)
• New Orleans Pelicans -8.5 (-110)

Grizzlies vs Pelicans Over/Under

• Over 230 Points (-110)
• Under 230 Points (-110)

Grizzlies vs Pelicans Moneyline

• Memphis Grizzlies (+280)
• New Orleans Pelicans (-350)

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Grizzlies vs Pelicans Betting Trends

• Memphis is 5-12 straight up in its last 17 road games.
• New Orleans is 7-2 straight up in its last nine games vs. the Southwest Division.
• Memphis is 6-12 ATS in its last 18 games vs. New Orleans.
• New Orleans is 8-0 ATS in its last eight home games.
• The total hit the Under in 10 of Memphis’ last 15 games played in December.
• The total hit the Under in seven of New Orleans’ last 10 games played on a Tuesday.

Grizzlies vs Pelicans Prediction & Pick (Dec. 19)

Regardless of how each side has been playing, the big story of the game is Ja Morant. After all, the 24-year-old phenom is one of the best players in the league when he’s on the court, however, he has a lot to prove after being suspended 25 games for “conduct detrimental to the league.”

Morant was the Grizzlies’ best player during the 2022-23 campaign, averaging 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 8.1 assists on 55.7% true shooting. Having said that, one player won’t solve all of Memphis’ problems.

The Grizzlies head into tonight’s game sitting dead last when it comes to points per game, offensive efficiency, and field-goal percentage. Their defensive play has been above average, all things considered, but that doesn’t change the fact that they still get outscored by 6.8 PPG (7th-worst).

Meanwhile, the Pelicans score the 12th-most points on the 10th-best field-goal percentage. Their three-point success rate is below average, however, that isn’t too big of an issue considering how New Orleans averages the 12th-most offensive rebounds.

Another advantage that the Pelicans have is that they’re the healthier team of the two. Naji Marshall (ankle) is the team’s only injury designation as the 25-year-old is questionable to suit up tonight.

On the flip side, the Grizzlies are dealing with a slew of injuries. Derrick Rose (hamstring), Steven Adams (knee), and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) are all out indefinitely. Marcus Smart (foot), Luke Kennard (knee), and Bismack Biyombo (back) will all be game-time decisions after sitting out of Monday’s loss with their various injuries.

It doesn’t help that Memphis is playing without confidence. The Grizzlies have lost their last five games by an average of 14.0 points, whereas the Pelicans have won four straight by an 18.8-point average.

As much as a boost that Morant brings to the Grizzlies, the Pelicans are my pick to win. New Orleans is rolling as of late, blowing out opponents left and right. Not only are the Pelicans the deeper team, but they’ve also played extremely well at Smoothie King Center, going 7-1 SU and 8-0 ATS in their last eight home games.

I’m also taking the Pelicans to cover the 8.5-point spread. After all, New Orleans tends to get the job done in its own building, going 10-3 ATS at home thus far. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are only 6-7 ATS on the road and have failed to cover in all but one of their last eight trips to Smoothie King Center.

Even with Morant’s presence, this won’t be a close game.

Grizzlies vs Pelicans Prediction: NOP wins

Best Grizzlies vs Pelicans Bet: NOP -8.5 (-110)

Get 100% up to $1,000 on this pick over on BetDSI

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Best Grizzlies vs Pelicans NBA Player Prop (Dec. 19)

When it comes to the best Grizzlies vs. Pelicans player prop, we’re taking a trip over to Bovada to take CJ McCollum to hit 3+ three-pointers.

McCollum has been solid from deep this season, averaging 3.1 threes on a career-high 42.3% success rate. He’s finished with at least a trio of three-pointers in nine of 14 appearances thus far (64.3%), which includes making good on this prop in each of his last four outings.

While defense has been one of the Grizzlies’ stronger suits this season, they’re still allowing the fourth-most threes on the third-highest success rate. Considering how Memphis also surrenders the fifth-most threes to point guards, expect McCollum to make it rain from downtown again.

Best Grizzlies vs Pelicans Prop Bet: CJ McCollum 3+ Three Pointers (-115)

Get 50% up to $750 on this pick over on Bovada

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