The New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies will open the 2025-26 NBA regular season against each other on Wednesday night. Memphis comes into this season hoping that their stars can stay healthy so that they can live up to expectations. New Orleans knows plenty about that, as their hopes this season are pinned to the health of Zion Williamson. Before these teams tip off their season on Wednesday, keep reading to get my Pelicans vs Grizzlies prediction.
Our Pelicans vs Grizzlies Pick
- Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -4.5
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: New Orleans Pelicans @ Memphis Grizzlies
- Date & Time: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
- Broadcast: NBA League Pass
Pelicans vs Grizzlies Odds
| Market | Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Grizzlies –4.5 |
| Moneyline | Grizzlies –200, Pelicans +170 |
| Total | 237.5 points |
Key Storylines
- The Grizzlies get a major boost to start their season. Superstar guard Ja Morant has been cleared to play after an ankle sprain. Memphis will open with both Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. for the first time in a season opener since 2021-22. That pairing elevates the ceiling for Memphis if they can both stay healthy.
- The depth of the Grizzlies will be tested, as Memphis enters without several rotation pieces available. Forward Brandon Clarke (knee), guard Ty Jerome (calf), guard Scotty Pippen Jr., and center Zach Edey are all sidelined or limited.
- The Pelicans are also missing key contributors. Guard Dejounte Murray and center Kevon Looney are out. But Zion Williamson is available and the Pelicans will try to enjoy that for as long as they can.
- New Orleans brought in Jordan Poole in the offseason in an attempt to revitalize their scoring on the perimeter. Poole hasn’t played winning basketball since he was a part of the culture with the Warriors. He will try to change that this year in New Orleans.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
The Grizzlies swept the Pelicans in their four regular-season games last year. Two of those wins for the Grizzlies came by double-digits and those were the two games they played in Memphis. The Grizzlies will aim for a similar result and margin of victory at home in this game.
Best Player Props to Watch
| Player | Prop to Watch |
|---|---|
| Ja Morant | Over 23.5 points |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | Over 1.5 3-pointers made |
| Zion Williamson | Over 20.5 points |
Pelicans vs Grizzlies Model Projection
Score Projection: New Orleans Pelicans 108 – Memphis Grizzlies 114
Win Probability: Memphis 65%, New Orleans 35%
Final Thoughts
We are going to learn a lot about both of these teams in this matchup to start the season. We should see the Grizzlies assert their dominance early on, as the Pelicans are at a significant disadvantage from a continuity standpoint. I’ll take the Grizzlies to win and cover the spread at home here, even without Edey to give them a size advantage.
