New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Picks and Prediction for Monday November 2 2026

Memphis beat Sacramento by 31 Saturday night. Thirty-one.

The Grizzlies are undefeated, scoring more than 120 points a game, and now they’re getting a New Orleans team that’s been giving up almost 118.

You want to tell me the Pelicans have a chance? Sure they do. They just beat Atlanta by 22.

But Memphis has been doing this to everybody. I’m not going against that until somebody gives me a reason.

New Orleans visits FedExForum in Memphis on Monday, November 2, with tipoff at 8 PM ET. The Grizzlies already beat the Pelicans earlier this season, and they’re looking to stay undefeated. I couldn’t verify a current sportsbook spread or total, so I’m taking Memphis on the moneyline and using a target number for the total. Get into the action for the NBA season with our free NBA picks.

New Orleans Pelicans Have Started Playing Better

New Orleans is 2-4, including 0-2 on the road. The Pelicans have won two straight after opening the season with four losses. They beat Sacramento 132-120 Thursday and Atlanta 121-99 Saturday. That’s a much better stretch, especially after scoring only 91 against Denver earlier in the week.

The Pelicans average 119.7 points but allow 117.8. They’re playing at a quick pace and getting plenty of attempts near the basket. The problem is protecting the ball. New Orleans has been turning it over on more than 17 percent of its possessions, and Memphis has been good at forcing mistakes. That’s the matchup that bothers me. You can’t give an undefeated team extra possessions and expect to get away with it.

Zion Williamson gives New Orleans a dangerous scoring option inside, and he’s the player Memphis has to keep away from the rim. Jordan Poole is dealing with an ankle injury, while Dejounte Murray has a personal-status designation that needs checking. Yves Missi is out with a knee bruise. Those absences and uncertainties matter because New Orleans needs enough depth to handle Memphis’s pressure without running out of scoring options.

Memphis Grizzlies Have Been Excellent at Both Ends

Memphis is 6-0, including 2-0 at home. The Grizzlies beat Sacramento 136-105 Saturday after handling Portland 124-103 Thursday. That’s 260 points scored and only 208 allowed in two games. There’s nothing fluky about winning those games by 31 and 21 points.

The Grizzlies average 121.2 points and allow just 106. Their offensive rating is around 117 points per 100 possessions, and their defensive rating is close to 102. That’s an excellent combination, even if we’re still dealing with a small sample. Memphis has also been strong on the offensive glass, collecting more than 30 percent of available offensive rebounds. Against New Orleans, those second chances could make a big difference.

Memphis has been getting contributions throughout its rotation rather than depending on one scorer every night. The concern is the health of its guards. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have been dealing with back soreness, while Quinten Post has an ankle issue. Their statuses need checking before tipoff. But the Grizzlies have handled the early schedule well, and their depth has been one of the reasons.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Picks and Prediction

Memphis Grizzlies Moneyline

I’m taking Memphis. New Orleans has won two straight, and Williamson can make life difficult for any defense. I respect that. But Memphis has been much better defensively, it’s winning the rebounding battle, and it’s already shown it can handle Sacramento and Portland without much trouble. The Pelicans have been giving up too many points, and I don’t trust them to slow Memphis for four quarters. Give me the Grizzlies to stay unbeaten.

Over 229.5 Points — Target Total

I’ll look Over 229.5 if that’s the number available. New Orleans is averaging almost 120 points, Memphis is above 121, and both teams have been scoring well lately. The Grizzlies’ defense is the concern. They’ve been holding opponents to 106 a game, and they could keep the Pelicans from reaching 110. But New Orleans has scored 253 points in its last two games, and I think it can contribute enough. Something like Memphis 123-111 gets us Over.

Final Picks: Memphis Grizzlies Moneyline and Over 229.5 Points (target total)