MEMPHIS – The New Orleans Pelicans can close out their most successful road trip since they swept a three-game set between Dec. 13-17, 2023 with a win tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies.
New Orleans has won 16 games away from home this season, already surpassing last season’s total with 13 games to go. At their current pace, the Pels will finish with 23 road wins, which would be the most for the franchise since the 2017-18 season.
The Grizzlies have won two in a row against the Pelicans, but both of those wins came with Ja Morant in the lineup. Morant is gone for the season, and Memphis has fallen off. With Ja on the floor, the Grizzlies went 6-3; without him they are 12-32.
Desmond Bane has stepped up as Memphis’ leading scorer, but he won’t be on the floor tonight. Neither will former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart.
On paper, this is another game that the Pelicans should win and win handily. Even with the possibility that Zion Williamson will sit this one out as he continues to deal with a contusion on his left foot. Zion has looked limited on the defensive end after showing progress on that side of the floor before the injury.
Trey Murphy III seemingly broke out of his recent shooting slump in the Pelicans’ win over the Portland Trail Blazers. His 24 points were the most he’s scored since he posted a season-high 28 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. New Orleans is 7-0 this season when “Trigga” scores more than 15 points (29-13 over the last two seasons).
After getting off to a 4-1 start in the month of February, the Pelicans are positioned to close strongly over the next two weeks. Following tonight’s game in Memphis, they will return home to host the Wizards, Rockets, Heat, and Bulls. That quartet is a combined 34-68 (.333) on the road this season.
They close February on the road at New York and Indiana, neither of which will be easy games, but a 10-win month is within reach if the Pelicans can string together the same level of effort from night to night.
That, more than anything remains the biggest question about this team.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| New Orleans Pelicans | Memphis Grizzlies |
| G – CJ McCollum | G – Jacob Gilyard |
| G – Herbert Jones | G – John Konchar |
| F – Brandon Ingram | F – Vince Williams Jr. |
| F – Trey Murphy III | F – Santi Aldama |
| C – Jonas Valanciunas | C – Jaren Jackson Jr. |
Injuries
New Orleans Pelicans: Dyson Daniels (left knee soreness) is OUT. Zion Williamson (left foot bone contusion) and Cody Zeller (left knee soreness) are QUESTIONABLE.
Memphis Grizzlies: Desmond Bane (left ankle sprain), Brandon Clarke (Achilles), Jake LaRavia (left ankle sprain), and Marcus Smart (left finger) are OUT. Ziaire Williams (hand) is QUESTIONABLE.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (31-22) at Memphis Grizzlies (18-35)
Season Series
- Oct. 25: Pelicans def. Grizzlies, 111-104
- Dec. 19: Grizzlies def. Pelicans, 115-113
- Dec. 26: Grizzlies def. Pelicans, 116-115 OT
- Feb. 11: Pelicans at Grizzlies
Where: FedEx Forum
When: Feb. 11, 7:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Bally Sports New Orleans
Where to listen: WRNO 99.5
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