It is 2026, and if you have been watching the Western Conference lately, you know that Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans matches have turned into something much weirder and more intense than a standard divisional scrap. It’s not just about the Southwest Division standings. It is the clash of two specific, gravity-defying timelines.
On one side, you’ve got the Memphis "Grit and Grind" 2.0. They play like they’re trying to start a fight in a phone booth. On the other, the New Orleans Pelicans, a team that feels like a collection of 2K "Create-a-Players" with maxed-out wingspans and terrifying vertical leaps.
Honestly, when these two meet, the scouting reports basically go out the window.
The Ja vs. Zion Shadow Boxing
Most people look at Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans matches as the eternal battle of the 2019 Draft. Ja Morant (No. 2) and Zion Williamson (No. 1). It is the narrative that won’t die.
But here is what most people get wrong: the rivalry isn't just about those two anymore. It hasn't been for a while. While the media loves the "dunk-off" highlights, the actual games are often decided by guys like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Trey Murphy III.
Take the match on October 22, 2025. Ja went off for 35 points, looking like he was shot out of a cannon every time he touched the paint. Zion had a monster 27 and 9. But the reason Memphis walked away with a 128-122 win? Jaren Jackson Jr. turned the paint into a "no-fly zone" late in the fourth quarter. It’s that defensive friction that makes this matchup so frustrating for New Orleans.
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The Pelicans want to run. Memphis wants to make you miserable.
Recent History and the 2025-2026 Shift
The Grizzlies have had the Pelicans' number recently. It’s been a bit of a lopsided affair if you just look at the W-L column. Since the start of the 2024 season, Memphis has won about 80% of their head-to-head meetings.
- November 26, 2025: Memphis took a 133-128 thriller in the NBA Cup group stage.
- January 24, 2025: A 139-126 shootout where defense was clearly optional.
- March 9, 2025: A grind-out 107-104 win for the Grizzlies in the "Blender" (Smoothie King Center).
New Orleans fans are rightfully annoyed. They have the talent. They have the size. But for some reason, the Grizzlies' chemistry—led by coach Taylor Jenkins—seems to act like a wet blanket on the Pelicans' offensive fire.
Why the Pelicans Struggle Against the Memphis Style
It’s the physicality. Simple as that.
New Orleans relies heavily on Brandon Ingram’s mid-range finesse and Zion’s bulldozer physics. But Memphis throws bodies at you. They use Marcus Smart (when he’s roaming) and JJJ to collapse the space.
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Also, can we talk about the rebounding? In their match last November, Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr. combined to make life a living nightmare for the Pelicans' frontcourt. If New Orleans can't get second-chance points, they tend to stall.
Actually, the Pelicans' best weapon against Memphis hasn't always been Zion. It’s been Herb Jones. His ability to annoy Ja Morant is the only reason some of these games stay close. If Herb isn't in foul trouble, Memphis has to work twice as hard for every bucket.
The Impact of the 2026 Standings
As of mid-January 2026, the Grizzlies are sitting around .436, fighting to stay in the Play-In conversation after some early-season injury bugs. The Pelicans are struggling more, sitting at a .238 winning percentage.
But stats are liars in this rivalry.
When these teams see each other on the schedule, the record doesn't matter. It becomes about pride. New Orleans is desperate to prove they aren't just "highlight fodder" for Morant's latest viral layup. Memphis is trying to prove their culture is still the gold standard in the South.
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What to Watch for in the Next Match
If you’re heading to the FedExForum or tuning in from home for the next clash, don't just watch the ball. Watch the off-ball screens. Memphis loves to use Desmond Bane as a decoy to open up lanes for Ja.
Keep an eye on these specific factors:
- Transition Points: If New Orleans allows Memphis to get 20+ points in transition, it's over.
- The "Trip" Factor: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Block Panther) usually determines the outcome. If he’s in foul trouble early, Zion will eat. If he stays on the floor, the Pelicans’ rim frequency drops significantly.
- Bench Depth: In the November 26, 2025 game, Memphis got huge minutes from Jaylen Wells. The Pelicans need their bench—specifically guys like Jordan Poole or whoever is providing that spark—to actually show up.
The reality is that Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans matches are a battle of identities. One team wants to be the future of the league through sheer force of will, and the other wants to do it through sheer athletic talent.
Right now, the "will" is winning.
If you want to understand where the Western Conference is heading, look at the tape from their last three meetings. It’s physical, it’s loud, and it usually ends with someone hitting a circus shot that shouldn't be possible.
The next step is tracking the injury reports for the late-January 2026 slate. Specifically, watch the status of the Grizzlies' frontcourt rotations, as that has been the deciding factor in every Memphis win over the last twelve months. If the Pelicans can finally win the battle on the boards, the tide might finally turn in the Big Easy.