The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans clash tonight in an NBA Cup West Group B showdown with major playoff positioning implications for both teams. This Thanksgiving Eve matchup at the Smoothie King Center could virtually eliminate Memphis from Cup contention while bringing the Pelicans closer to play-in eligibility. Zion Williamson leads a surging New Orleans squad looking to build momentum after snapping a devastating 9-game losing streak.
🔥 Quick Facts
Game Time: Wednesday, November 26 at 7:00 PM Central (8:00 PM ET) at Smoothie King Center
Memphis currently sits 10th in the Western Conference with a 6-12 record, while New Orleans is 15th at 3-15
Grizzlies lead the season series 1-0 after a 128-122 victory on October 22 at FedExForum
Pelicans posted a dominant 143-130 win over Chicago on Monday with 51% shooting and 78 paint points
Conference Positioning on the Line Tonight
Memphis currently sits three games ahead of New Orleans in the Western Conference standings, occupying the 10th seed with their 6-12 record. The Pelicans, at 3-15, desperately need a victory to stay within striking distance of the play-in tournament. A Grizzlies loss combined with a favorable outcome elsewhere would virtually eliminate Memphis from NBA Cup contention, forcing their focus entirely back to regular season survival.
From New Orleans’ perspective, this Thanksgiving Eve matchup represents a critical opportunity. The Pelicans have emerged from a nightmare stretch where they lost 9 consecutive games before Monday’s stunning upset of the Bulls. Head coach James Borrego received the game ball from his players after that victory, a sign of how desperately this turnaround matters to the locker room.
Team Positioning and Tournament Ramifications
Team
Record
Cup Record
Status
LA Lakers
13-4
3-0
Clinched Group B
LA Clippers
5-13
2-1
Wild card contention
Memphis Grizzlies
6-12
1-1
Can advance with 2 wins
Dallas Mavericks
5-14
1-2
Eliminated
New Orleans Pelicans
3-15
0-3
Eliminated from Cup
New Orleans Riding Momentum Wave After Historic Victory
The Pelicans exploded offensively Monday night against Chicago, posting their season-high 143 points in a 143-130 demolition of the Bulls. New Orleans shot 51% from the field and grabbed 19 offensive rebounds, a season-best mark. The team posted career-best performances in all four quarters, including a 37-point first quarter.
Zion Williamson led the charge with 29 points on 13 free throws, while Saddiq Bey added a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds. Interim head coach James Borrego implemented a lineup change for the second half, starting Jose Alvarado and Yves Missi in place of Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. The adjustment paid immediate dividends, with both players recording season-highs in minutes played.
Memphis Dealing With Significant Injury Concerns Before Crucial Game
The Grizzlies face a mounting injury crisis heading into tonight’s showdown. Star point guard Ja Morant remains sidelined with a calf injury, while Jaren Jackson Jr. just returned from an ankle ailment. Most concerning is rookie center Zach Edey, who exited Monday’s loss to Denver with a head injury after taking an elbow from Nikola Jokic in the first quarter.
Edey’s absence significantly impacts their defensive presence. The 15-rebound performance against Dallas in their previous two-game winning streak showcased his value. Reserve Jock Landale stepped up admirably once Edey left Monday, posting a career-high 26 points and 10 rebounds against the Nuggets. The Grizzlies’ defense ranked 18th in points allowed per possession, with Edey’s interior dominance playing a crucial role in that standing.
Why Tonight’s Result Matters Beyond the Court?
For Memphis, a loss combined with favorable results elsewhere would effectively end their NBA Cup journey heading into November’s final days. The tournament ends November 28, leaving the Grizzlies no margin for error. Meanwhile, New Orleans has already been mathematically eliminated from Cup contention after their third group-stage loss, but the confidence gained from Monday’s dominant victory could fuel their playoff push starting Friday.
The Pelicans can cut Memphis’ divisional lead to two games with tonight’s home victory. In a brutal season, any positive development provides momentum for the locker room and fan base. Borrego’s early success at the helm suggests New Orleans may finally be finding its footing after an abysmal start to 2025-26.
“You couldn’t ask for a better team win when you look at the stat sheet. These guys have gone through a lot. You want some validation for all the work you put in, and it’s hard to see progress when you’re not getting wins.”
— James Borrego, New Orleans Pelicans Head Coach
Sources
NBA.com – Official NBA Cup standings and game information
ESPN – Team statistics and injury reports
New Orleans Pelicans Official Website – Team performance details and coaching commentary
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.