December 19th - New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies - 16-11

Primetime game at the Blender🔥

🏀: vs Grizzlies
🕡: 6:30pm CT
📺: TNT
📻: @995WRNO#Pelicans | @SmoothieKing pic.twitter.com/zty7IAJHEg

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 19, 2023

Interesting game, this.

On the one hand, it's the Grizzlies, who are 6-19, have the league's worst offense, and who haven't won a game in almost 2 weeks. And they're still missing Marcus Smart, D Rose, Steven Adams, and Brandon Clarke, all of whom are out - even Bismack is doubtful.

On the other hand, Ja Morant returns, and if there's anyone who can help their offensive struggles it's going to be an all-star point guard, right? Normally you'd assume there might be a bit of rust integrating someone into the team this late in the season, with so many pieces missing, but it's also fair to point out that their entire offense was built around him so putting him back is more like righting the ship. Plus, it is typical Pels fashion for a returning player to be excellent against US and then experience rust next game instead.

Our own injury report is a bit unusual today:

- Zion Williamson is questionable due to Non-COVID illness
- Naji Marshall has been upgraded from questionable to probable with a right ankle sprain.

Other than that, it's as usual; Nance, Liddell, etc, out. Kira with the Squadron.

Tonight should be a statement win. Returning home from a successful road trip, the Grizzlies are still weakened and we have the guys - Herb and Dyson - who should be able to make Ja's return very difficult for him. There is no reason to let the buzz surrounding his return impact our play. The Pels need to keep the foot on the gas here, whether Zion plays or not.

5th win in a row needs to happen. Guys need to be serious.

Let's see if they do it.