Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction 3/9/25 NBA Picks

The Memphis Grizzlies have been in a slump as they’ve lost seven of their last 10 games overall, but they will be eager to build some momentum after routing the depleted Mavericks in a 122-111 road win on Friday. Ja Morant led the team with 31 points and eight assists on 13 of 29 shooting, Desmond Bane added 27 points with 16 rebounds and six assists while Brandon Clarke chipped in with 17 points and four blocks off the bench. As a team, the Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the field and eight of 21 from the 3-point line as they got off to a poor start and trailed for most of the contest. Before they woke up and dominated the fourth quarter by 33-17 to run down the Mavericks with time to spare in the end. 

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have gone cold again lately as they’ve lost four of their last five games overall. They will be hoping to arrest a three-game skid after getting thrashed by the Rockets in a 146-117 road defeat last night. Zion Williamson led the team with 20 points on 10 of 19 shooting, CJ McCollum and Jose Alverado each scored 17 points while Yves Missi chipped in with 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists. As a team, the Pelicans shot 48 percent from the field and 12 of 33 from the 3-point line as they struggled to match the Rockets from the start. They fell behind by 16 points at halftime, only to get blown out in the second half to suffer one of their worst defeats of the season. The Pelicans will meet the Clippers after this game.

Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win

• The Grizzlies have lost three of their last four games as favorites.
• The Pelicans have won four of their last seven games as underdogs against the Grizzlies following a loss.
• The Grizzlies have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games following a win.
• The Pelicans have covered the spread in five of their last six games as home underdogs on the second leg of a back-to-back.

Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win

• The Pelicans have lost each of their last six games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
• The Grizzlies have won each of their last six games against Pelicans teams that held a losing record.
• The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
• The Grizzlies have covered the spread in each of their last five road games against Southwest Division opponents.