Game Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans (5-25) have been mired in a brutal stretch, currently riding a seven-game losing streak as they prepare to host the surging Memphis Grizzlies (20-10) on Friday night. While the Pelicans' season averages of 105.7 points and a 43.8% field goal percentage are respectable, they've struggled to find any consistency, getting outscored by nearly 12 points per game on average.
Over their last five games, the Pelicans have seen their offense sputter, averaging just 109.6 points on 43.6% shooting while allowing a whopping 119.8 points per contest. Their rebounding has remained steady at 43.4 boards per game, but turnovers have plagued them, coughing up the ball 15.8 times over this recent skid.
In stark contrast, the Grizzlies have thrived, riding a 14-6 record over their last 20 games behind a 124.2 point per game offensive onslaught. They've been lights out from the field, shooting a blistering 48.6% overall and 37.5% from three while crashing the boards for 48.5 rebounds per contest. Memphis has leaned into their depth, dishing out 30.6 assists and getting contributions across the board with 10.1 steals and 6.7 blocks per game over this stretch.
While the Grizzlies' recent loss snapped a brief two-game win streak, they've been a model of consistency with a 7-3 record over their last 10 games. The Pelicans, meanwhile, have won just one of their last 10, struggling to find an answer as the losses have piled up. With Memphis firing on all cylinders and New Orleans reeling, the Grizzlies will look to extend the Pelicans' misery and continue their push up the standings.