New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies (Image via Getty) Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans meet at a difficult point in the season for both teams. Each side is near the bottom of the Western Conference and needs wins just to stay competitive. This game is less about standings and more about who can put a functional lineup on the floor.The main difference between the teams is health. Memphis is missing several regular players and has had to change its rotation almost every night. New Orleans is not perfect either, but its main scorers are available. That gives the home team a steadier base to work from.These teams have already traded wins this season. Their last meeting was high scoring and decided by turnovers and transition points. Expect a similar style again if Memphis cannot take care of the ball.
Memphis Grizzlies injury report vs New Orleans Pelicans (January 30, 2026)
Memphis Grizzlies will again be without Ja Morant. Without him, the team loses its primary creator and fastest way to the rim. Backup guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is also out, so there is little traditional point guard depth. The frontcourt is also thin. Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke are unavailable, and rookie center Zach Edey remains sidelined. Guard Ty Jerome is doubtful.Because of that, Memphis has to lean heavily on Jaren Jackson Jr. for scoring and rim protection. Minutes in the middle will go to Jock Landale, while Vince Williams Jr. and Cam Spencer take on more ball-handling than they normally would.
New Orleans Pelicans injury report vs Memphis Grizzlies (January 30, 2026)
New Orleans Pelicans are missing role players such as Matisse Thybulle and Blake Wesley. Center Robert Williams III is unlikely to play full minutes because of a knee problem.Even so, the core is intact. Zion Williamson provides constant pressure at the rim, while Trey Murphy III spaces the floor and scores from outside. That pairing gives the Pelicans reliable offense without needing a deep bench.
What happened in the last New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies meeting
The most recent game between these teams ended 133-127 for New Orleans. Saddiq Bey scored 36 points, and both Williamson and Murphy scored in the mid-20s. Memphis turned the ball over 19 times, and many of those mistakes led straight to Pelicans points in transition.Earlier games in the season went Memphis’ way, so this matchup breaks the tie in the season series.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Current form and standings
Memphis enters at 18-27 and has lost most of its recent games. New Orleans is 12-37 and trying to avoid another long losing stretch. Neither team is in a strong position, but a clean win would at least steady things for a few days.
How Memphis scores without Morant
The offense now runs through Jackson. He scores in the low 20s on average and blocks shots on the other end, but he is not a natural playmaker. That forces guards and wings to create shots late in the clock.Memphis can still protect the rim because of Jackson, but the lack of healthy big men hurts rebounding and depth. Turnovers have also increased because more players are handling the ball.
How New Orleans Pelicans attack
Williamson looks to get into the paint on almost every trip. When defenders collapse, Murphy gets open threes. That inside-outside balance is the Pelicans’ clearest strength. Their weakness is interior defense when their true rim protector is out. Opponents can find second chances and draw fouls near the basket. Memphis will try to use Jackson and Landale to exploit that.
Pace will likely decide the New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies game (January 30, 2026)
New Orleans is favored slightly at home, and the expected score is high. That points to a faster game. If Memphis slows things down and limits mistakes, it can keep the score tight. If turnovers lead to open-floor chances, New Orleans has the healthier legs to run.
Key matchups to watch in tonight’s New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies game (January 30, 2026)
• Ball control from Memphis’ replacement guards • Williamson attacking the paint against Jackson and Landale • Three-point shooting from Murphy and Bey • Rebounding on both endsMemphis still has a top defender and scorer in Jackson, but the number of injured teammates forces everyone else into larger roles. That makes consistency hard.Also read: Is Ja Morant playing tonight vs the New Orleans Pelicans? Latest update on the Memphis Grizzlies star’s injury report (January 30, 2026)New Orleans brings a more complete starting group and two dependable scoring options. At home, with fewer injury gaps to cover, the Pelicans have the simpler path to winning if they take care of the ball and control the glass.