New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies, Picks and Predictions, Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Use Code SSWC The Memphis Grizzlies will start the season off at home as they host the New Orleans Pelicans. Tipoff is slated for 8:00 PM Eastern, as Memphis looks to build on its 2025 postseason appearance. Read on for the Pelicans vs the Grizzlies prediction and more free NBA picks.
Pelicans Make Off-Season Moves
New Orleans made some offseason moves, parting ways with Kelly Olynyk and CJ McCollum. In immediate return, the Pelicans received Jordan Poole. New Orleans was hampered by injuries last season. Zion Williamson played just 30 games, and New Orleans ultimately has a losing record when he's out compared to when he's healthy and in the lineup. New Orleans finished with a 21-61 record and closed the season out last in the Southwest Division. Staying healthy and developing team continuity will be key for New Orleans this season.
The New Orleans Pelicans’ offense last season showed glimpses of potential but was largely inconsistent. They averaged 109.8 points per game and finished 29th in average scoring margin, placing them toward the lower end of the league in efficiency. Their shooting accuracy was 45.2% from the field and 34.7% from three-point range, with about 43.6 total rebounds per game and 25.8 assists nightly. This left the Pelicans in the bottom half of the league in each metric. However, the pace of their offense was moderate at just over 99 possessions per game, which limited the number of scoring opportunities. Turnovers remained an issue, and the offense often lacked cohesion, making it difficult for them to maintain consistent output. A 75% free-throw percentage didn't help matters.
Key Stats 2024-2025:
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
- Zion Williamson: 24.6 points per game
- Yves Missi: 8.2 rebounds per game
- Team Free Throw Percentage: 75.4%
On defense, the Pelicans struggled significantly. They allowed over 119 points per game, which ranked among the worst in the NBA. Opponents shot approximately 45.2% from the field and over 36% from three for much of the season, while the team’s rebounding margin was minimal, limiting their ability to stifle second-chance points. Defending the painted area will be paramount here as the Pelicans finished 30th in the NBA in opponent 2-point shooting a season ago. Lastly, New Orleans finished 29th with over 40 3-point attempts allowed per game.
Key Injuries: Kevon Looney (out), Dejounte Murray (out)
Memphis Seeks 2nd Straight Postseason
Memphis was swept by the eventual NBA champion, the Oklahoma City Thunder. They closed last season with a 48-34 record, ultimately landing them 8th in the Western Conference. Coach Tuomas Iisalo took over with just nine games left, but secured a playoff spot. Namely, Morant missed the first 50 games of the season due to injury and suspension. Having the full complement of the Grizzlies' roster will give us a better understanding of what to make of this team. They enter 2025 with a few key injuries.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ offense was among the most prolific in the league. They averaged 121.7 points per game and operated at a league-leading pace of over 103 possessions per game. The offense produced with the uptick in possessions, with Memphis finishing second in points per game and paint scoring. They shot a respectable 47.7% from the field and 36.7% from three-point range, both of which were hovering around the top 10.. The Grizzlies found ways to get to the line often, snag missed shots, and create second-chance opportunities. They'll look to do so again this season.
Key Stats 2024-2025:
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: 22.2 points per game
- Zach Edey: 8.3 rebounds per game
- Team free-throw percentage: 78.6 %
On the defensive side, Memphis posted an opponent effective field goal percentage of 53.3%, placing them around 6th in the league. They allowed 116.9 points per game, and despite finishing around the top 10 in paint points allowed, they finished 23rd in opponent fast break points. Opponents converted roughly 45 % of their field goal attempts and about 36 % from three. While the Grizzlies were solid at limiting second-chance points and remained active in transition defense, their very high tempo sometimes worked against them by increasing the number of possessions in games. Keeping opponents off the free-throw line and getting stops in transition will need to be a point of emphasis here.
Key Injuries: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Out), Zach Edey (Out)
Pelicans vs Grizzlies Pick
Pick for Pelicans vs Grizzlies
- Pelicans +3.5 (4 Units)
New Orleans has notoriously played better with Williamson in the lineup, and he should be at an expected full health here (at least for now). The Grizzlies will be without their leading scorer from a year ago in Jackson, and their leading rebounder, Edey. New Orleans was selective in their outside shooting a season ago, but look for them to control the paint and create looks from deep here.
New Orleans +3.5
Total for Pelicans vs Grizzlies
- Over 237.5 (4 Units)
Memphis led the league in pace of play a season ago. Even with someone new in the coaching position, we should expect Memphis to push the pace here again, as they won't have Edey to work into their game plan. Additionally, the Grizzlies fouled at one of the highest rates in the NBA a season ago, and that trend should continue. With New Orleans allowing over 40 3-point attempts per game a season ago, look for the Grizzlies to find ways to get off shots from the outside here. The play is the over.
Over 237.5
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
