Grizzlies vs Pelicans Showdown: NBA Cup Clash Has Major Playoff Implications

The Memphis Grizzlies face the New Orleans Pelicans tonight. This critical NBA Cup West Group B game tips off at 7:00 PM Central at the Smoothie King Center. The outcome directly impacts both teams’ playoff positioning and Cup survival.

Memphis seeks to stay alive in the tournament race. New Orleans aims to build on a stunning momentum shift. According to ESPN, the Grizzlies lead the season series 1-0 after an October victory.

Standings Pressure and Tournament Stakes Intensify

Memphis currently holds the 10th spot in the West with a 6-12 record. The Pelicans sit at 15th with a 3-15 mark. This game is a direct battle for play-in tournament relevance.

A loss could virtually eliminate the Grizzlies from NBA Cup contention. New Orleans is already eliminated from the Cup. Their focus is solely on climbing the regular season ladder.

The Pelicans finally snapped a devastating nine-game losing streak on Monday. They posted a dominant 143-130 win over the Chicago Bulls. That victory provided a crucial confidence boost for the struggling squad.

Pelicans Ride Wave of Momentum Into Crucial Matchup

New Orleans’ offense exploded against Chicago. The team shot 51% from the field and scored 78 points in the paint. These were season-best marks for the Pelicans.

Star forward Zion Williamson led the charge with 29 points. He was aggressive, attempting 13 free throws. Saddiq Bey added a strong double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds.

Interim coach James Borrego made key lineup adjustments at halftime. The moves paid immediate dividends. Players received the game ball in a celebratory locker room moment after the win.

Grizzlies Grapple With Significant Injury Concerns

Memphis enters this game with a depleted roster. Star guard Ja Morant remains out with a calf injury. This is a major blow to their offensive creation.

Rookie center Zach Edey is a major question mark. He suffered a head injury in Monday’s loss to Denver. Edey took an accidental elbow from Nikola Jokic and did not return.

His potential absence hurts their interior defense and rebounding. Reserve big man Jock Landale stepped up admirably in relief. He scored a career-high 26 points against the Nuggets.

Forward Jaren Jackson Jr. has recently returned from an ankle issue. His presence is vital for their frontcourt scoring and defense. The Grizzlies’ defense ranks 18th in efficiency, a stat they must improve.

Tonight’s Grizzlies vs Pelicans result extends beyond a single win or loss. It could define the early-season trajectory for both franchises. The pressure is on in New Orleans for this high-stakes NBA Cup showdown.

Thought you’d like to know

What time is the Grizzlies vs Pelicans game?

The game starts at 7:00 PM Central Time (8:00 PM ET) on Wednesday, November 26. It is being played at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. You can watch the broadcast on your local regional sports network.

Are the Pelicans eliminated from the NBA Cup?

Yes, the New Orleans Pelicans have been mathematically eliminated from NBA Cup contention. They lost all three of their games in the West Group B stage. Their focus is now entirely on improving their regular season record.

Who is injured for the Memphis Grizzlies?

The Grizzlies are without star guard Ja Morant due to a calf injury. Rookie center Zach Edey is questionable with a head injury suffered Monday. Jaren Jackson Jr. is playing but recently returned from an ankle issue.

Why was the Pelicans’ last win so significant?

It ended a brutal nine-game losing streak that had defined their season. The 143-point offensive outburst was a season-high. The win provided a massive morale boost for the players and new interim coach James Borrego.

What does Memphis need to advance in the NBA Cup?

The Grizzlies must win their final two Cup group stage games. They also need specific results from other games to go their way. A loss tonight would make their path to advancement virtually impossible.