Grizzlies vs Pelicans: 2026 Head‑to‑Head Showdown

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Grizzlies vs Pelicans: Direct Comparison Overview
• Offensive Firepower
• Grizzlies
• Pelicans
• Defensive Solidity
• Grizzlies
• Pelicans
• Key Players & Injury Impact
• Coaching & Strategy
• Recent Form & Head‑to‑Head Record
• Detailed Head‑to‑Head Comparison Table
• When to Choose Grizzlies vs When to Choose Pelicans
• When to Favor Memphis
• When to Favor New Orleans
• Final Score Breakdown (Weighted 100‑Point Scale)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Which team has the better chance of covering the spread against the Pelicans?
• How does Scotty Pippen’s injury affect the Pelicans’ odds?
• Can the Pelicans still win if they control the tempo?

• Core Insight: The Grizzlies hold a statistical edge in both offense and defense as they chase a franchise‑record 7‑0 start against a Pelicans squad coping with injuries.
• Key Highlight: Memphis averages 118.4 PPG (Offensive Rating 115.2) while New Orleans posts 112.7 PPG (Offensive Rating 108.9); defensive rating gap is 4.3 points.
• Actionable Advice: Bettors should favor Memphis on the spread, but monitor the Scotty Pippen injury line for potential Pelicans upside.

Grizzlies vs Pelicans: Direct Comparison Overview

Both teams entered November 2026 with contrasting trajectories. Memphis sits 7‑0, the best start in franchise history, powered by a deep rotation and a high‑tempo offense. New Orleans, 5‑2, is battling the loss of veteran guard Scotty Pippen (expected to miss the next game) and relies heavily on its young core. The matchup pits a statistically superior Grizzlies unit against a Pelicans side that can still produce bursts of scoring when its perimeter shooters find rhythm.

Offensive Firepower

Grizzlies

- **Points per game:** 118.4 (league‑rank 1) - **Field‑goal %:** 48.2 % (3‑point 38.1 %) - **Top scorer:** Ja Morant – 27.3 PPG, 8.1 APG - **Pace:** 102.5 possessions per game

Pelicans

- **Points per game:** 112.7 (league‑rank 12) - **Field‑goal %:** 45.7 % (3‑point 35.4 %) - **Top scorer:** Zion Williamson – 24.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG - **Pace:** 99.8 possessions per game *The Grizzlies outscore the Pelicans by 5.7 points on average and operate 2.7 possessions faster.*

Defensive Solidity

Grizzlies

- **Defensive Rating:** 107.9 (2nd best) - **Opponent FG%:** 42.8 % - **Rebounds per game:** 46.2 (12.3 offensive)

Pelicans

- **Defensive Rating:** 112.2 (15th) - **Opponent FG%:** 45.3 % - **Rebounds per game:** 43.5 (10.1 offensive) *Memphis limits opponents to 4.5 fewer points per 100 possessions.*

Key Players & Injury Impact

| Player | Team | Avg. Stat Line (2026) | Injury Status | |---|---|---|---| | Ja Morant | Grizzlies | 27.3 PPG, 8.1 APG, 5.2 RPG | Healthy | | Desmond Bane | Grizzlies | 21.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 2.1 APG | Healthy | | Zion Williamson | Pelicans | 24.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.8 APG | Healthy | | Brandon Ingram | Pelicans | 19.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.5 APG | Healthy | | **Scotty Pippen** | Pelicans | 10.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.0 APG | Out (expected to miss next game) | *Pippen’s absence reduces New Orleans’ bench scoring depth by roughly 8 %.*

Coaching & Strategy

- **Memphis (Taylor Jenkins):** Emphasizes transition offense, frequent pick‑and‑rolls, and aggressive perimeter defense that forces turnovers. - **New Orleans (Willie Green):** Relies on half‑court sets, spacing for Williamson’s post play, and occasional zone to disrupt Memphis’ pace. *Jenkins’ system aligns better with the Grizzlies’ personnel, while Green must adapt on‑the‑fly to compensate for the bench loss.*

Recent Form & Head‑to‑Head Record

- **Grizzlies last 5 games:** 5‑0, avg. margin +12.4 - **Pelicans last 5 games:** 3‑2, avg. margin –3.1 - **All‑time matchups (2026):** 23‑19 in favor of Memphis - **Last meeting (Oct 28 2026):** Grizzlies 119‑112 (OT)

Detailed Head‑to‑Head Comparison Table

| Criteria | Grizzlies | Pelicans | Winner | |---|---|---|---| | Overall Record (2026) | 7‑0 | 5‑2 | Grizzlies | | Points per Game | 118.4 | 112.7 | Grizzlies | | Defensive Rating | 107.9 | 112.2 | Grizzlies | | Pace (possessions) | 102.5 | 99.8 | Grizzlies | | Key Injury | None | Scotty Pippen (out) | Grizzlies | | Recent Momentum | +12.4 avg. margin | –3.1 avg. margin | Grizzlies |

When to Choose Grizzlies vs When to Choose Pelicans

When to Favor Memphis

- You prefer a team with superior offensive efficiency and a proven defensive scheme. - The spread is modest (e.g., Grizzlies –3.5) and the injury report shows the Pelicans missing a bench scorer. - You value consistency; Memphis has not lost a game this season.

When to Favor New Orleans

- The line offers Pelicans +6 or more, giving a cushion against a close game. - You anticipate a low‑scoring, defensive battle where Williamson can dominate inside. - You expect a late‑game adjustment from Green that slows Memphis’ tempo.

Final Score Breakdown (Weighted 100‑Point Scale)

| Category | Grizzlies | Pelicans | |---|---|---| | Offense (30) | 28 | 22 | | Defense (30) | 27 | 21 | | Recent Form (20) | 19 | 13 | | Health & Depth (10) | 10 | 6 | | Coaching (10) | 9 | 7 | | **Total** | **93** | **69** | *The Grizzlies earn a decisive 93‑69 advantage, reflecting their all‑around superiority at this point in the 2026 season.*

Frequently Asked Questions

Which team has the better chance of covering the spread against the Pelicans?

Memphis’ higher offensive rating and stronger defensive metrics give them a clear edge, making them the safer pick to cover a modest spread.

How does Scotty Pippen’s injury affect the Pelicans’ odds?

Pippen’s absence removes roughly 8 % of the Pelicans’ bench scoring, pushing their odds higher for a loss and widening the spread in Memphis’ favor.

Can the Pelicans still win if they control the tempo?

Yes, if New Orleans slows the game to under 100 possessions and leverages Williamson’s post dominance, they can keep the contest within a single‑digit margin.