Prediction: Memphis Grizzlies VS New Orleans Pelicans 2025-11-26
Grizzlies vs. Pelicans: A Tale of Two Teams, One Injury Report
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for a basketball showdown where the only thing more chaotic than the game plan is the injury report. The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans are set to collide in NBA Cup Group Play, and here’s the twist: both teams are missing exactly the same players—Ja Morant, Ty Jerome, Javon Small, Brandon Clarke, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Zach Edey (questionable). It’s like a mutual exclusivity clause in a horror movie: “No, you can’t have my Ja Morant… we’re all out of Ja Morant.”
Parsing the Odds: A Numbers Game
Let’s start with the cold, hard math. The Grizzlies are favored at -135 on the moneyline, implying a 57.4% chance to win (per our trusty formula: 135 / (135 + 100)). The Pelicans, at +114, have a 47.6% implied probability. The spread is a tight -2.5 for Memphis, with both sides priced at -110. The total is set at 233.5 points, and while the Pelicans recently scored 143 points in a game, don’t expect a free-fire fest—both teams are likely to be cautious with their thin rosters.
Injury Chaos: A Shared Suffering
The Pelicans are riding high after a 143-130 win over the Bulls, where Zion Williamson dropped 29 points (including 13 free throws—apparently, the Bulls’ defense had a charity night). But let’s not forget: the Grizzlies just beat the Pelicans 128-122 on October 22. Since then, the Pelicans’ offensive fireworks might be a one-game wonder. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies are dealing with their own drama: Zach Edey, the rookie center who was supposed to be their defensive anchor, exited their last game with a head injury after a brutal elbow from Nikola Jokic. Poor Edey—his first 13 games were missed due to ankle surgery, and now he’s dodging elbows like a parkour enthusiast in a minefield.
The Humor: Because Basketball Needs It
Let’s cut through the chaos with some levity. The Pelicans’ 143-point explosion against Chicago was so absurd, it makes you wonder if they accidentally played against a volleyball team. Their 37-point quarters? More like 37-point firework displays. But here’s the joke: if the Grizzlies’ defense is any good, they’ll make the Pelicans’ offense feel like a deflated balloon at a toddler’s birthday party.
And what of the Grizzlies? Without Edey, their interior defense is about as reliable as a sieve holding back a tsunami. But hey, Jock Landale stepped up with a career-high 26 points last game—proof that even a backup big man can shine when the universe hands him a flashlight.
Prediction: The Grindstone Grizzlies
While the Pelicans’ offense is a popcorn machine (always popping), their defense? Let’s just say it’s more of a “popcorn thief,” stealing points left and right. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, have shown resilience without their stars—winning two of three games despite the absences. Jaren Jackson Jr.’s return from injury adds a ceiling to their defense, and if Landale can keep churning out double-doubles, Memphis might just outlast New Orleans’ offensive binge.
Final Verdict
Take the Grizzlies at -135. Yes, they’re missing a litany of players, but so are the Pelicans—and in basketball, depth matters. The Pelicans’ high-octane offense is a mirage without consistent defense, while the Grizzlies’ gritty, half-court approach fits their “grind it out” personnel. Plus, let’s be real: who wants to bet against a team that’s turned Zach Edey’s injury into a plot twist worthy of a Netflix docu-series?
Gambling Disclaimer: This analysis is for entertainment purposes only. Do not bet your grandma’s knitting needles on this. Also, check your bookmaker’s latest odds—this injury report is more chaotic than a toddler in a candy store.
Created: Nov. 26, 2025, 4:21 p.m. GMT