Opinion
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Can the Pelicans Soar Above the Grizzlies at FedExForum?

As the New Orleans Pelicans prepare to take on the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum, fans are eager to see if their team can maintain their recent momentum. The Pelicans have shown a mix of resilience and vulnerability in their past performances, which could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this upcoming clash.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 19: Brandon Ingram #14 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 19, 2023 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last game against Houston Rockets on December 24, NOP fell just short with a final score of 104-106. Despite outrebounding Houston by two and posting an impressive 58 points in the paint, turnovers proved costly for NOP as they gave up 16 compared to Houston's 12. This narrow loss came even with a strong bench performance contributing 28 points and a solid shooting night from inside the arc where NOP hit 59 percent of their two-point attempts.


However, looking back at NOP's away game against Cleveland Cavaliers on December 22 provides a more encouraging picture. The Pelicans dominated with a convincing victory of 123-104. Their offensive efficiency was through the roof with an offensive rating of over 129 and an effective field goal percentage of over 63 percent. They also showcased depth as their bench poured in an impressive 40 points.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 19: CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 19, 2023 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/NBAE via Getty Images)

NOP's ability to control games is evident when they minimize mistakes; they had only nine turnovers against Cleveland while forcing more from their opponents. Additionally, fast break opportunities were seized effectively – NOP scored an outstanding total of fast break points during that match.


The challenge now is whether NOP can replicate this high-octane offense against MEM who have struggled this season but showed signs of life recently. In MEM's last home game versus NOP on December 20, they managed to edge out a win by scoring heavily in paint (62 points) and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities (17 second-chance points). However, it’s worth noting that despite MEM’s victory, NOP led for most of that game – nearly thirty-eight minutes – indicating potential for redemption in this rematch.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 19: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies scores the game winning basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 19, 2023 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

For fans looking forward to seeing if New Orleans can turn things around after these mixed results: defense will be key. If they can limit Memphis' paint presence while keeping turnovers low as seen against Cleveland Cavaliers rather than letting them balloon like in the Rockets encounter, there's every chance for success.


The scheduled tip-off is set for February 13 at FedExForum located in Memphis at TN zip code area:38103; tip-off time is slated for February evening hours (8:00 PM ET). Fans unable to attend can catch all action live on TV via BSNO channel number:676-4 or BSSE channel number:649 depending upon your location.

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