Pelicans @ Grizzlies tips and picks: Ja Morant’s return can’t save Grizz from double-digit defeat

The New Orleans Pelicans (16-11) play host to the Memphis Grizzlies (6-19) on Tuesday night at Smoothie King Center.

Suggested bets

New Orleans Pelicans -7

Grizzlies @ Pelicans preview

The headlines should be about the Pelicans’ winning four of five and their offensive output. They’ve averaged 129 points per game in those wins.

The most impressive of those wins came against the Bucks and the Kings, but they’ve been ruthless against losing teams, beating San Antonio by 36.

However, the buzz is around Ja Morant’s return from suspension. The two-time all-star was handed 25 games for ‘conduct detrimental to the league’ before the season.

Not only is their public hype around his return, but it seems to have impacted the bookmaker's thought process. Memphis opened a +6 underdog.

This team has lost five straight games, they’re dealing with a host of injuries and they played in Oklahoma just last night, losing 116-97.

Morant’s presence is worth points and his defensive attributes are needed right now, but he’ll need to settle back in and find his rhythm.

New Orleans are on an 8-0ATS run on home court 15-5ATS across their last 21. Also, they’re on an 11-4ATS run against losing teams and 8-3ATS after a double-digit win.

On the other hand, Memphis 15-36ATS playing a winning team away from home. Furthermore, they haven’t been responding to defeats, going 0-5ATS on the back of a 10+ point loss.

The key factors here are the Grizzlies being on no rest and dealing with numerous injuries, which robs Taylor Jenkins of some key rotation players.

Even with the initial boost of Ja Morant’s return, and the scoring that brings, things should get tough late in the game when New Orleans are on fresher legs.

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