Of course, the NBA wants the Pelicans in the Playoffs. Rookie sensation Zion Williamson means eyeballs for TV. Online sportsbooks will love the extra handle. So, when the Association expanded the list of Bubble Teams, New Orleans made sense. Memphis the team that the Pelicans are gunning for. Specifically, New Orleans must stay within four games of the Grizzlies for a play-in bid. All of which makes Monday’s NBA betting showdown so compelling. New Orleans and Memphis bring stark contrasts of playing styles.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans
| Date and Time: | Monday, August 3, 2020, 6:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | HP Field House, Orlando, Florida |
| Grizzlies vs. Pelicans TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grizzlies | +4½ (-110) | 237 (-110) | +165 |  |
| Pelicans | -4½ (-110) | 237 (-110) | -190 | |
| ||||
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans SBG Odds Overview
Memphis is known as the team the NBA doesn’t want but is stuck with. And that has had an effect on sportsbook perceptions. Of course, the Association expanded the Bubble teams for hopeful New Orleans advancement. Gamblers have been burned by the Pelicans twice already. Namely, Zion Williamson is not getting the playing time needed for a playoff push. So public perception is quickly defecting from New Orleans. NBA commissioner Adam Silver can’t be pleased with the Pelicans’ lack of effort.
Memphis Grizzlies Overview
Memphis is 32-34 straight up and 34-31-1 vs. the odds. Only 31 of their games have gone over the total. Such as the Grizzlies rank 12th for scoring offense and 21st for points allowed. G Ja Morant has been the trigger man of the Memphis offense. Indeed his offensive versatility is vital.
Key Memphis Grizzlies: PG Ja Morant 17.6 PTS, 3.5 REB, 6.9 AST, 49.1 FG%, 36.7 3P%, 77.0 FT%, PF Jaren Jackson Jr. 16.9 PTS, 4.7 REB, 1.4 AST, 46.8 FG%, 39.7 3P%, 74.1 FT%, SG Dillon Brooks 15.7 PTS, 3.3 REB, 2.0 AST, 40.2 FG%, 36.9 3P%, 80.9 FT%
New Orleans Pelicans Overview
New Orleans has an NBA betting record of 28-38 straight up, 33-31-2 vs. the odds. Overall, just 30 Pelicans games went under the total. New Orleans ranks fifth in the NBA for scoring but 27th for points allowed. Of great concern is that Williamson played only 29 minutes in the first two restart tilts.
Key New Orleans Pelicans: SF Brandon Ingram 24.2 PTS, 6.3 REB, 4.2 AST, 38.4 FG%, 38.4 3P%, 85.8 FT%, SF Zion Williamson 23.1 PTS, 6.5 REB, 2.1 AST, 59.3 FG%, 46.2 3P%, 64.7 FT%, SG Jrue Holiday 19.6 PTS, 4.9 REB, 6.8 AST, 45.3 FG%, 35.8 3P%, 70.0 FT%
Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans against the Spread
The Grizzlies are:
- 4-7 against the spread in their last 11 games as a dog
- 1-6 under the total when getting points
- 2-4 vs. the odds as a dog to the Pelicans
- 6-3 over the total vs. New Orleans when getting points
The Pelicans are:
- 8-5-1 against the spread when favored
- 2-5 under the total as chalk
- 4-1 with the odds overall against the Grizzlies
- 1-4-1 under the total head to head with Memphis
Grizzlies vs. Pelicans SBG Best Bet
In this situation, the Pelicans lack NBA betting credibility. Cause by excessive load management with Williamson. Memphis has far more to play for. Especially with Portland breathing down their necks.
Grizzlies vs. Pelicans SBG Best Bet: Memphis Grizzlies