Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Pick & Prediction 12/19/23

Looking to win big? The Grizzlies and Pelicans face off at 7:30 ET on TNT. The Pelicans are hosting the game at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. The over/under for this game is set at 233.5 points, and the Pelicans are the home favorites against the Grizzlies in a Southwest division matchup.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES VS NEW ORLEANS PELICANS BETTING PICK

The Pick: New Orleans Pelicans -6.5

This game will be played at Smoothie King Center at 7:30 ET on Tuesday, December 19th.

WHY BET THE NEW ORLEANS PELICANS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 116-102 in favor of the Pelicans.
• Our projections have Zion Williamson finishing with Zion Williamson points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
• From the field, we have the Pelicans finishing with a field goal percentage of 51.9% and knocking down 12 threes.

Can The Grizzlies Secure a Road Victory?

Heading into their matchup with the Pelicans, the Grizzlies are 6-19 overall and are hoping to end their five game losing streak. In Western Conference play, the Grizzlies are 5-16 and are 1-3 against non-conference opponents.

So far, Memphis is below .500 in their ATS record, currently standing at 9-16. This season, Memphis has a 4-5 record against the spread when they are the favorites, and they are 5-11 as underdogs.

The Grizzlies’ offense, in their latest game, managed to score just 97 points versus the Thunder. During the game, they attempted 54 three-point shots and had a field goal percentage of 35.3%. Leading the team in scoring was Ziaire Williams with 19 points. Desmond Bane also added 17 points for the Grizzlies.

Coming into the game, the Grizzlies’ defense has finished two straight games with an increased number of points allowed. Overall, they are 11 in the league at 112.4 points per game allowed.

So far this season, the Grizzlies’ defense has struggled with fouls, averaging 6th in fouls per contest. On average, opponents are getting to the line 24.5 times per game vs. Memphis.

Is a Home Win Possible for New Orleans?

In their last five games, the Pelicans have gone 4-1 and are now 16-11 overall. At home, the Pelicans are 9-4 compared to 7-7 on the road this season.

New Orleans has an ATS record above .500, currently standing at 16-11 against the spread. New Orleans has gone 7-6 against the spread this season when they are the favorites, and they are 9-5 when playing as underdogs.

The Pelicans recently showcased a strong offensive performance, scoring 146 points against the Spurs. This output exceeded their season average of 116 points per game. One area that the Pelicans offense has been good this season is getting to the line. Currently, they are 5th in free-throw attempts per contest. Overall, they have a field goal percentage of 48%.

In terms of defense, Pelicans is currently on par with the NBA average for points allowed, giving up an average of 113.8 points per game.

In terms of two point field goal attempts, the Pelicans defense has allowed a shooting percentage of 56.3% while allowing 34.4% from downtown.