Pelicans' lineup solidifies, eyeing win column against shorthanded Grizzlies. Key players sidelined for both teams create strategic opportunities.
The New Orleans Pelicans lost their last time out, but competed enough against a good team to maintain their confidence in this new starting group. Now, they get a chance to get back into the win column as the Memphis Grizzlies come to town on Friday night.
This is the first Pelicans home game in over a week, as they just wrapped up a road trip that began with a win over this same Grizzlies team.
A big part of this newfound all-big lineup has been that they are finally mostly healthy. That remains the case on Friday as there are no changes to their injury report:
Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture) - Out
Hunter Dickinson (G League two-way) - Out
Trey Alexander (G League two-way) - Out
Not on the injury report, but also not expected to play in this game is Jordan Hawkins and Jordan Poole. James Borrego said after practice on Thursday that they remain ready and could be called on at any moment, but the belief is that they are sitting out as the front office tries to trade them ahead of next week's deadline.
Here is how things stand for Memphis on the injury front:
Santi Aldama (right knee injury management) - Out
Brandon Clarke (right calf strain) - Out
Zach Edey (left ankle stress reaction) - Out
Ja Morant (left elbow UCL sprain) - Out
Scotty Pippen Jr. (left great toe surgery recovery) - Out
Ty Jerome (right calf strain) - Doubtful
Nothing major has changed for the Grizzlies since that game last Friday. They have a lot of talent out and are relying on a lot of young role players for offense and defense. They are on a four-game losing streak and have lost seven of the last 10 games.
New Orleans will play host to Memphis on Friday night at 6:30 pm CT.