Wednesday’s Western Conference meeting between the Memphis Grizzlies (50-29) and the New Orleans Pelicans (40-39) will be the second game in as many nights for both teams.
Memphis defeated Portland 119-109 on Tuesday, while New Orleans’ two-game winning streak was halted with a 121-103 loss to the Kings.
New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies Injuries Report
The Memphis Grizzlies (50-29) are extremely likely to secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference after their 119-109 home victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. The Grizzlies hold a two-point advantage over the Sacramento Kings with three games left.
The Grizzlies started and finished strong on Tuesday, but the Blazers came back from 19 points down in the first quarter. After outscoring Memphis 37-25 in the second quarter, the Trail Blazers only trailed 66-62 at halftime.
The Blazers were up 101-96 with 9 minutes left, but Memphis stormed back with a 22-2 run that was inspired by three 3-pointers from Desmond Bane.
“For us to be able to stick together and come back and grab a win was big-time,” said Grizzlies guard and 23-point scorer Ja Morant.
After being suspended for a while, Ja Morant is slowly getting back into shape, and Memphis hopes he will keep putting on devastating performances in the postseason.
The Pelicans’ first attempt at making the Western Conference play-in tournament was unsuccessful.
They will look to get back on track on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies, who they hosted earlier and who handed them only their second setback in nine games.
Sacramento’s 40-point second quarter in the second half was the difference as they beat New Orleans (40-39).
Brandon Ingram of New Orleans led all scorers with 22 points, but he had previously gone 9 games with at least 25 in each of those games.
After scoring 14 points in the first quarter, he was well on his way to extending his scoring run, during which he averaged 30.3.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been out since January 2 with a strained right hamstring. He was given the go light to resume basketball last week.
The Pelicans haven’t completely written off Williamson’s possibility of returning before the regular season concludes on Sunday, but he’s not expected to be ready by Wednesday.
The Grizzlies have a 2-1 record against the Pelicans this season.
Pelicans injuries:
- Jose Alvarado (Leg) – Out
- Zion Williamson (Hamstring) – Out
- E.J. Liddell (Knee) – Out
Grizzlies injuries:
- Ziaire Williams (Foot) – Questionable
- Jake LaRavia (Calf) – Questionable
- Dillon Brooks (Hip) – Questionable
- Steven Adams (Knee) – Out
- Brandon Clarke (Achilles) – Out for the season
