Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Predictions, Picks and NBA Preview – February 1, 2016

Something’s gotta give. Memphis and New Orleans will put their respective winning streaks on the line when they lock horns at Smoothie King Center later tonight. Both teams are playing some fantastic basketball of late, so expect a mouth-watering encounter between the two sides.

Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this Western Conference matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our previews of Chicago vs. Utah and Milwaukee vs. Sacramento.

Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Preview

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans

When: Monday, February 1, 8:00 PM ET

Line: Memphis Grizzlies (+1) at New Orleans Pelicans (-1); total: 201.0 – view all NBA lines

TV Broadcast: FSN

Betting on the Memphis Grizzlies (28-20)

The Memphis Grizzlies stretched their unbeaten run to three games with a thrilling 121-117 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. Six players scored in double-figures for the Grizzlies who moved a season-best eight games above .500 this season.

Key to the Grizzlies’ resurgence has been their excellent play on the offensive end. The Grizzlies have recorded eight consecutive 100-point outings, matching the longest streak in their franchise history. That sizzling offense was in full display Saturday against the Kings where they shot a solid 51.9 percent from the field.

Jeff Green has been superb for the Grizzlies during their winning run, averaging 26.7 points on 63.3 percent shooting over the past three games. He was incredible in Memphis’ win against Sacramento, scoring 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting from the floor.

Green and co. will look to keep the momentum going when they take on the Pelicans later tonight. The Grizzlies will fancy their chances of doing just that as they have fared extremely well against the Pelicans of late. They are unbeaten in their last three meetings with New Orleans.

The Grizzlies are 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games.

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Betting on the New Orleans Pelicans (18-28)

The New Orleans Pelicans extended their winning streak to two games with a nerve-wracking 105-103 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. Jrue Holiday led the way for the Pelicans in this contest, scoring 26 points, including the game-winning basket with 1.3 seconds remaining.

Holiday has been incredible for the Pelicans of late, averaging 27.7 points and eight assists over the past three games. He has taken advantage of a sudden increase in playing time, with Tyreke Evans currently hobbled with knee problems. The versatile guard averaged 18 points and seven assists in the month of January.

He will look to carry that excellent form this February, starting with a clash with the red-hot Grizzlies tonight. Holiday will have his work cut out for him, however, against a Memphis side that is sixth in the NBA in scoring defense, allowing just 99.0 points per game this season. The Pelicans averaged just 101.5 points in their two losses to the Grizzlies this season. Marc Gasol was a beast for the Grizzlies in those two meetings, averaging 27 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and 2.5 blocks.

That won’t faze the Pelicans, though, who are currently playing some of their best basketball this season. With their victory against Brooklyn, the Pelicans finished January with a winning record. That’s New Orleans’ first winning month this season. The Pelicans have now won five of their last six games.

The Pelicans are 4-2 ATS in their last six home games.

Writer’s Prediction

Memphis (+1) wins, 108-104.

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