Memphis Grizzlies face must-win showdown against desperate Pelicans
The early season struggles of the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans have caught even the most cynical observers off guard. With the Grizzlies languishing at 6-12 and the Pelicans sinking to a dismal 3-15, both teams are in dire need of a turnaround. The Pelicans, in particular, have taken drastic measures, parting ways with head coach Willie Green and promoting James Borrego to interim head coach in search of a spark. However, the results have been underwhelming, as they’ve stumbled to a 1-5 record since the coaching change.
As the Grizzlies prepare for a crucial matchup in New Orleans for the Emirates Cup, they face an opponent that is equally desperate for a victory. With both teams fighting to avoid the ignominy of being labeled the league’s worst, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Grizzlies are keen to secure their position within the Play-In Tournament territory, while the Pelicans are looking to stave off more fallout from a series of missteps since executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars took the reins in April.
Rebounding Battle
One of the key areas of concern for the Pelicans has been their rebounding, ranking in the bottom third of the NBA in rebounding percentage. Yet, they possess a scrappy mentality that enables them to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, averaging 16.3 points from offensive rebounds. The Grizzlies must prioritize boxing out and limiting the Pelicans’ second and third chances, as these often lead to open three-point shots. When teams give up offensive rebounds, their defenses are frequently pulled in, leaving them vulnerable to outside shooters.
Containing Zion Williamson
Guarding Zion Williamson presents a formidable challenge. He attacks the lane with the force of a boulder, and despite a career-low shooting percentage from 0-3 feet (57.8), he still takes the majority of his shots in that range. With 56 percent of his attempts coming from close quarters, he ranks second in the league in free-throw attempts (11 per game). The Grizzlies must refrain from committing cheap fouls while also ensuring they collapse effectively on defense when he drives. On the flip side, Williamson’s defensive effort has been lackluster at times, allowing the Grizzlies to exploit mismatches through screen-and-roll plays. Jaren Jackson Jr. could play a pivotal role here, using his height advantage to put Williamson in foul trouble.
Staying Vigilant on Trey Murphy III
Defending off-ball players like Trey Murphy III is more complex than it might seem. Maintaining sight of both the ball and the man is crucial, and Murphy poses a significant challenge due to his impressive 63 percent effective field goal percentage on catch-and-shoot attempts. The Grizzlies’ defenders must remain acutely aware of their assignments, as any lapse could lead to easy scoring opportunities for New Orleans.
Exploiting New Orleans’ 3-Point Defense
The Pelicans have struggled to defend the three-point line, ranking near the bottom of the league by allowing 24.2 wide-open three-point attempts per game. Opponents are converting these opportunities at a staggering 39.1 percent clip. This presents a golden opportunity for players like Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells to find their rhythm and capitalize on New Orleans’ defensive shortcomings.
Grizzlies’ Challenges Ahead
As Memphis embarks on a challenging four-game road trip that will take them through Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Antonio, the pressure intensifies. With the status of Zach Edey uncertain, the Grizzlies have to dig deep and show resilience. Coach is calling for grit from his players to navigate this tough stretch successfully. The time has come for Memphis to step up and secure a much-needed victory, while the Pelicans are equally eager to turn their season around.
