Zach Edey’s Status Uncertain Ahead of Grizzlies vs. Pelicans Clash
The Memphis Grizzlies are set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans in a highly anticipated matchup at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, November 26, at 7:10 p.m. CST. As the teams gear up for the Southwest Division showdown, all eyes are on the availability of Grizzlies’ center Zach Edey, who remains questionable due to a head injury sustained during a recent loss.
Edey’s Injury Impact on the Grizzlies
Edey, standing at an imposing 7-foot-4, has been a significant presence for Memphis this season. However, his status was still in doubt as of Wednesday morning following his early exit in Monday’s encounter against the Denver Nuggets. The Grizzlies (6-12) are looking to kick off a four-game road trip on a high note, but Edey’s potential absence could have serious implications for their performance against the struggling Pelicans (3-15), who are looking to find their footing after a rocky start.
In their previous meeting on October 22, the Grizzlies managed to secure a 128-122 victory, largely thanks to a standout 35-point performance from Ja Morant, who remains sidelined with a right calf strain. The Grizzlies swept the Pelicans in all four matchups last season, but with Memphis currently facing injuries to key players, including Morant and several others, they will need to adjust their strategy accordingly.
Historical Context and Current Standings
The history between these two teams adds an intriguing layer to this matchup. Memphis boasts a four-game winning streak in New Orleans but has experienced competitive games at the Smoothie King Center, with three of the last five encounters going into overtime. The Pelicans have struggled early this season and own the worst record in the Western Conference, having lost their first six games.
Zion Williamson led New Orleans in their opening loss to Memphis, scoring 27 points and grabbing nine rebounds. The stakes are high not only for the current standings but also for the historical rivalry, as the last time this series was tied dates back to 2006.
Betting Lines and Game Projections
According to DraftKings, the spread for this matchup has the Grizzlies favored by 3.5 points. The moneyline positions Memphis at -148, while the Pelicans are listed at +124. The total points over/under stands at 235.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair.
Projected Starting Lineups
Grizzlies*
F Jaylen Wells
F Jaren Jackson Jr.
C Jock Landale
G Vince Williams Jr.
G Cedric Coward
Pelicans*
F Saddiq Bey
F Zion Williamson
C Deriq Queen
G Jeremiah Fears
G/F Trey Murphy III
Injury Report
Grizzlies*
Zach Edey: Questionable – Head/Migraine
Ja Morant: Out – Right Calf Strain
Ty Jerome: Out – Right Calf Strain
Scotty Pippen Jr.: Out – Right Toe Surgery Recovery
Brandon Clarke: Out – Right Knee Surgery Recovery
Javon Small: Out – Left Toe Soreness
Pelicans*
Dejounte Murray: Out – Right Achilles Rupture
Jordan Poole: Out – Left Quad Strain
Herbert Jones: Out – Right Calf Strain
Karlo Matkovic: Out – Right Calf Strain
Trey Alexander: Available – G League (Two-way)
Coach’s Thoughts
Following a recent 143-130 victory against the Bulls, Pelicans coach James Borrego praised the impact of his reserves. “I thought Jose (Alvarado) and Yves (Missi) had some juice in the first half and I was gonna roll with it into the second half. Those guys responded… I thought we had a good third quarter,” he noted, highlighting the importance of depth as New Orleans battles through injuries.
As the Grizzlies prepare for this critical matchup against the Pelicans, the uncertainty surrounding Edey’s condition looms large. Both teams will be eager to secure a much-needed victory as the season unfolds.
