Betting on NBA: Pelicans vs. Grizzlies Latest Odds and Betting Picks (February 16, 2021)

Account of Zion Williamson was the Pelicans franchise wholly transformed.  Previously, New Orleans was ignored on the NBA betting board in good times and bad.  They were an afterthought franchise to TV networks and fans.  Until they won the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery.  When Zion was the first overall pick that year, gamblers and fans became obsessed.  TV executives worked with the NBA to get Williamson on TV frequently.  However, all of the hype has failed to translate into gambling profits.  Memphis is what New Orleans used to be.  An anonymous franchise that can’t quite get its footing.

New Orleans Pelicans at Memphis Grizzlies CashBet Wagering Analysis

Despite the Pelicans’ low betting value, the masses will still back them.  Zion Williamson remains one of the NBA’s most significant individual sportsbook draws.  This Z-factor is an excellent example of how perception doesn’t equal reality on the NBA board.  New Orleans has failed to deliver profits that match the hype.  By contrast, the Grizzlies rarely generate high gambling activity.  Sharp handicappers will often consider them for that reason.  Memphis brings a defense that can keep them in range of the spread.  Counter to that is a Grizzlies offense that struggles to score.  This matchup is one of opposites.

Plenty of Noise, Nothing in Profits for Pelicans

New Orleans has covered four of their last six games.  Five of the Pelicans’ previous six games cleared the Betting on NBA total.  As a result, New Orleans is 11-14 straight up, 11-14 against the spread, and 17-8 over the total.  The Pelicans are a dreadful 28^th for free throws.  New Orleans is a poor 25^th defending 3-point field goals.  In sum, the Pelicans are fourth in the Southwest Division.

Namely, forward Zion Williamson leads the Pelicans with 24.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.  Forward Brandon Ingram adds 23.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per outing.

Plodding Grizzlies Can’t Gain Traction

Late on, Memphis has covered only one of their six games.  Seven of the Grizzlies’ last eight games went over the pro basketball betting total.  Memphis is 10-11 straight up, 11-10 against the spread, and 11-10 over the total.  NBA metrics show the Grizzlies 22^nd for scoring offense and 11^th for points allowed.  Overall, Memphis is third in the Southwest Division.

Guard Ja Morant leads Memphis with 18.5 points per game.  While center Jonas Valanciunas adds 16.1 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.

New Orleans Pelicans at Memphis Grizzlies Against the Spread

Overall, the Pelicans are 5-8 against the spread on the road.  New Orleans has failed to cover three of their last five Southwest Division games.  New Orleans is 4-1 over the basketball betting total in division games.  And then the Pelicans are 7-6 over the number on the road.

Overall, Memphis is 5-6 against the spread at home.  The Grizzlies are 2-3 on the board in Southwest Division games.  Memphis went under the total in five of their last 11 home games.  In turn, the Grizzlies are 4-1 over the total in Southwest Division matchups.

New Orleans has bossed the cashier’s cage in this head-to-head series.  To illuminate, the Pelicans have covered six of their last seven against Memphis.  Only one of the previous eight games between the teams went over the total.  Specifically, at Memphis, the Grizzlies have covered seven of their last 11 against New Orleans.

New Orleans Pelicans at Memphis Grizzlies CashBet Free Pick  

As mentioned earlier, the Grizzlies are consistently profitable when hosting the Pelicans.  New Orleans remains one of the worst values in NBA gambling.  Zion brings attention but has failed to prove he can generate profits.  At least not this year.  Memphis is fighting to stay over .500 and gain the playoffs.

Pelicans at Grizzlies CashBet Best Bet: 

Memphis Grizzlies