Honestly, if you just look at the standings right now, you might miss the absolute chaos that happens whenever these two teams step on the floor together. The New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies matchup isn't just another game on the NBA calendar. It’s a collision of two franchises that were basically born to be rivals.
Think about it. Both teams are anchored in the deep South. Both are small-market squads that constantly have to fight for respect in a league dominated by the big coast cities. And, of course, they’ll forever be linked by that 2019 draft where Zion Williamson and Ja Morant went one and two.
The Current State of the Pelicans vs Grizzlies Battle
Right now, as we sit in early 2026, the vibes in both cities are... let's just say, complicated.
Memphis is currently sitting at 17-23, fighting for a play-in spot in a Western Conference that feels like a meat grinder every single night. New Orleans is having an even rougher go of it at 10-34. But here’s the thing: when these two meet, the records go out the window.
Take that game back on November 26, 2025. It was an NBA Cup pool play game, and it was pure insanity. The Pelicans actually blew a 17-point lead. Zion hit a wild, high-difficulty scoop shot with 0.9 seconds left just to force overtime. But in the end? Memphis walked away with a 133-128 win because guys like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells just wouldn't quit.
That game pretty much sums up the New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies experience. It's high scoring, it’s physical, and it usually comes down to who makes the last mistake.
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Why Ja Morant and Zion Williamson Still Define This
We have to talk about the "Big Two." It’s impossible not to.
Even though both have dealt with their fair share of injuries and off-court headlines, they remain the gravity centers for their respective teams.
- Ja Morant: He’s still that lightning-bolt playmaker. In their October 22, 2025 matchup, he dropped 35 points on the Pels like it was nothing. He plays with a chip on his shoulder that seems to grow every time he sees a New Orleans jersey.
- Zion Williamson: When he’s on, there is simply nobody like him. He’s averaging around 22.7 points this season, and even in losses, he’s usually the most efficient guy on the court. His battle with Jaren Jackson Jr. in the paint is basically a heavyweight fight every time.
But it’s not just about the stars anymore. We’re seeing new faces take over the narrative.
The "New" Blood in the Rivalry
If you haven't been watching the Grizzlies lately, you're missing out on the Zach Edey experience. The rookie (well, sophomore now) has been a massive problem for New Orleans. In that November overtime win, the Grizzlies were a staggering +39 in the 35 minutes Edey was on the floor. Think about that for a second. That is total dominance.
On the Pelicans' side, you've got guys like Yves Missi and Jose Alvarado keeping the energy alive. Alvarado is still the ultimate "Grand Theft Alvarado," and he nearly willed New Orleans to a win in that last matchup with 24 points and a bunch of clutch threes.
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What People Get Wrong About This Matchup
Most casual fans think this is just a game between two struggling West teams. They're wrong.
The history here is surprisingly deep. Since they first started playing, the head-to-head record is almost perfectly split. Memphis has had the upper hand recently, winning 11 of the last 15, but the total record over 86 regular-season games is 44-42 in favor of New Orleans. It’s that close.
People also underestimate the coaching chess match. With James Borrego stepping in as the Pelicans' interim head coach late last year, the offensive schemes have shifted. They’re trying to play faster, which plays right into the Grizzlies' hands because Memphis leads the league in pace. It’s basically a track meet with a basketball involved.
Key Stats to Watch
- Fast Break Points: Memphis usually wins this. If the Pels can't stop the break, they're cooked.
- The Rebound Margin: In their last meeting, the Pelicans actually dominated the boards 55-33. If they do that and still lose, it usually means they turned the ball over way too much.
- Turnovers: This is the Pelicans' Achilles' heel. They're currently 28th in the league in true shooting percentage, largely because they can't stop giving the ball away.
Looking Ahead: The January 2026 Gauntlet
We are heading into a massive stretch for these teams. They play each other twice in one week—January 23rd at the FedExForum and January 30th at the Smoothie King Center.
For Memphis, these games are "must-wins" if they want to climb out of that 11th spot and into the postseason conversation. For New Orleans, it’s about pride and seeing if this core can actually mesh before the trade deadline.
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There’s also been a ton of trade chatter surrounding both Zion and Ja. Some analysts are even debating who has more trade value right now. It adds this weird, extra layer of tension to every game. Are we watching the final chapters of these eras, or a new beginning?
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on betting on or just watching the next New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies game, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Paint: Jaren Jackson Jr. vs Zion is the game within the game. JJJ is one of the best rim protectors in history, and Zion is the best rim attacker. Something has to give.
- The "Home" Factor: Historically, the home team has a massive advantage in this series. If you're looking at the January 23rd game in Memphis, the Grizzlies are likely the safe bet, especially given the Pelicans' 3-16 road record.
- The Edey Effect: Keep an eye on the substitution patterns. When Zach Edey sits, the Pelicans tend to go on massive runs. If Memphis can't find a way to survive his rest minutes, New Orleans has a real chance to steal one.
The rivalry is alive and well, even if the records don't show it. It's gritty, it's loud, and it's exactly what basketball in the South should feel like.
To stay ahead of the next matchup, make sure you're tracking the injury reports for Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, as their availability completely changes the spacing for Zion. You should also check the latest NBA Cup standings if you're interested in how these tie-breakers affect late-season seeding, as these divisional games carry double weight in the tie-breaker formulas.