Unfortunate news for Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies before the Dec. 27 game against the New Orleans Pelicans

Arkay/TWSN

Ja Morant will play for the Memphis Grizzlies in their game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 27th. Morant contributed 15 points and nine assists in just 24 minutes in the Grizzlies’ record-setting 155-126 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Since he is not mentioned in the injury report, he is expected to be available for the upcoming game. In their last meeting on November 29th, Morant led Memphis to a 120-109 victory, scoring 27 points.

The Memphis Grizzlies are dealing with a series of unfortunate injuries that have sidelined several key players and further complicated their season. Marcus Smart, a key point guard, is out with a finger injury, while center Jay Huff and shooting guard Vince Williams Jr. are recovering from ankle injuries. Additionally, power forward Gregory Jackson is out with a foot injury. These setbacks highlight the significant challenges the team faces in remaining competitive.

Where to watch the Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelican game?

The Memphis Grizzlies will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The game will take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. You can watch the action live on Gulf Coast Sports and FDSSE or stream it via Fubo. An alternative option for streaming is NBA League Pass.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelican injury report

Pelican Injury Report

Zion Williamson (PF): out due to thigh injury

Brandon Ingram (SF): Out due to ankle injury

Jose Alvarado (PG): Out due to thigh injury

Karlo Matkovic (PF): out due to back injury

Trey Murphy III (SF): Questionable due to ankle injury

Javonte Green (SG): Questionable due to knee injury

Grizzlies injury report

Marcus Smart (PG): Out due to finger injury

Jay Huff (C): Out due to ankle injury

Vince Williams Jr. (SG): Out due to ankle injury

Gregory Jackson (PF): Out due to foot injury

Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelican player stats

Memphis Grizzlies player stats

Jaren Jackson Jr. Stats: GP 29, PTS 21.5, REB 6.0, AST 1.7, BLK 1.4

Yes Morant stats: GP 19, PTS 21.0, REB 4.5, AST 7.9, BLK 0.4

Desmond Bane stats: GP 23, PTS 15.3, REB 5.9, AST 4.7, BLK 0.5

Santi Aldama stats: GP 31, PTS 13.0, REB 7.3, AST 3.0, BLK 0.9

Jaylen Wells stats: GP 31, PTS 11.5, REB 3.2, AST 1.7, BLK 0.5

New Orleans Pelican Player Stats

Zion Williamson Stats: GP 6, PTS 22.7, REB 8.0, AST 5.3, BLK 0.7

Brandon Ingram stats: GP 18, PTS 22.2, REB 5.6, AST 5.2, BLK 0.6

CJ McCollum stats: GP 18, PTS 20.2, REB 3.9, AST 4.1, BLK 0.4

Trey Murphy III Stats: GP 18, PTS 19.4, REB 4.6, AST 2.3, BLK 0.7

Dejounte Murray stats: GP 14, PTS 16.3, REB 6.5, AST 7.4, BLK 0.5

The Memphis Grizzlies, who have a strong 21-10 record and third place in the Western Conference, approach the game with confidence after their impressive 155-point performance against the Toronto Raptors. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are enduring a challenging season with a 5-26 record and a sustained eight-game losing streak that has tested their resilience.

The Grizzlies are favorites to win and have the third-highest points average in the league at 123.7 points per game. In contrast, the Pelicans face significant hurdles as injuries to key players Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have further weakened their competitiveness. The betting odds highlight this gap: Memphis is the 9.5-point favorite and has a commanding moneyline of -450, while New Orleans is at +350.

Given the teams’ recent performances and roster conditions, Memphis appears primed for a convincing win. The Grizzlies’ strong offense and the Pelicans’ defensive woes suggest that a win margin of at least 7-9 points is likely.