Both the Memphis Grizzlies (50-29) and the New Orleans Pelicans (40-39) will be playing their second game in as many nights on Wednesday when they meet up in a Western Conference matchup.
On Tuesday, New Orleans saw its two game winning streak snapped with a 121-103 loss to the Kings, while Memphis defeated Portland 119-109.
Against the spread and straight up, the Grizzlies have a 2-1 record versus the Pelicans this season.
Injury Update for Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans’ first effort at qualifying for the Western Conference play-in tournament ended in failure.
After suffering only their second loss in nine games, they will try to bounce back on Wednesday night when they host the Memphis Grizzlies.
After a tight first half, Sacramento pulled away from New Orleans (40-39) with a 40-point second quarter.
New Orleans’ Brandon Ingram scored 22 points to lead all scorers, but he had previously gone 9 games scoring at least 25 in a row.
He was on pace to extend his scoring streak, during which he averaged 30.3 points per game, after scoring 14 in the first quarter.
Zion Williamson, a forward with the New Orleans Pelicans, hasn’t played since January 2 due to a strained right hamstring. Last week, he received the all-clear to get back to playing basketball.
The Pelicans haven’t ruled out Williamson’s return before the regular season ends on Sunday, but he’s not expected to be ready by Wednesday.
After beating the Portland Trail Blazers 119-109 on Tuesday in Memphis, the Grizzlies (50-29) are very likely to secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. With three games remaining, the Grizzlies lead third-place Sacramento by two points.
On Tuesday, the Grizzlies got out to a quick start and finished strong, but the Blazers battled back from a 19-point deficit in the first quarter. The Trail Blazers were only behind 66-62 at halftime after outscoring Memphis 37-25 in the second quarter.
With 9 minutes remaining, the Blazers held a 101-96 lead, but Memphis went on a 22-2 run, sparked by Desmond Bane’s three 3-pointers.
Star Ja Morant, who scored 23 points for the Grizzlies, said, “For us to be able to stay together and come back and get a win was big-time.”
Injury Report Pelicans:
| PLAYER | INJURY | STATUS |
| Jose Alvarado | Leg | Expected to be out until at least Apr 7 |
| Zion Williamson | Hamstring | Expected to be out until at least Apr 7 |
| E.J. Liddell | Knee | Expected to be out until at least Jul 1 |
Injury Report Grizzlies:
| PLAYER | INJURY | STATUS |
| Ziaire Williams | Foot | Game Time Decision |
| Jake LaRavia | Calf | Game Time Decision |
| Dillon Brooks | Hip | Game Time Decision |
| Steven Adams | Knee | Expected to be out until at least Apr 15 |
| Brandon Clarke | Achilles | Out for the season |
