The Memphis Grizzlies head to New Orleans on Friday night with urgency and questions, chasing a spark to end a four-game slide. The Pelicans, despite a tough season of their own, have a much shorter injury list and a chance to pull one back in a season series they currently trail. Tip is set for 6:30 p.m. CST (7:30 p.m. ET) at the Smoothie King Center.

This is more than a routine January game. It’s a test of depth, identity, and execution for a Memphis team short on bodies, and a chance for New Orleans to steady itself behind its stars and strong wings on the perimeter.

Tipoff, TV and Radio: How to watch Grizzlies vs Pelicans

Fans in Memphis can watch on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, while New Orleans viewers can tune into Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network. Radio coverage is on 92.9 FM ESPN/680 AM in Memphis and 105.3 FM/870 AM in New Orleans.

The ball goes up at 6:30 p.m. CST (7:30 p.m. ET), with Memphis trying to snap a four-game skid and New Orleans eyeing a bounce-back after its latest defeat.

“If Ja’s out and Zion’s rolling, can Jaren carry Memphis for four quarters?”

Final Injury Report: Who’s in and who’s out

The Grizzlies are stretched thin. Memphis will be without six key players, including Ja Morant and Santi Aldama. That’s a heavy hit to playmaking, scoring, and spacing. The available group includes forward Jaylen Wells and centerpiece Jaren Jackson Jr., who will shoulder a massive two-way load.

The Pelicans’ list is shorter. Dejounte Murray remains out as he continues to recover. New Orleans expects to have core contributors ready: Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, Derik Queen, Saddiq Bey, and Zion Williamson are all listed as probable/available.

On two-way status, the Pelicans have Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson out.

Form guide and the season series

Memphis sits at 18-27 and has dropped four straight, most recently 97-112 to Charlotte (Jan. 28) and 99-108 to Houston (Jan. 26). The offense hasn’t found rhythm late in games, and the missed bodies have made rotations tight.

New Orleans is 12-37. The Pelicans split their last two, including a 95-104 loss to Oklahoma City on Jan. 27. The earlier win came just before that, though details are incomplete.

The season series leans Memphis, 2-1. The Grizzlies took the October home meeting and stole a classic 133-128 (OT) on Nov. 26. The Pelicans answered with a 133-127 win on Jan. 23. Tight margins, high scores, and late-game swings have been the theme.

“Pelicans only missing Murray? That wing length could smother Memphis’ guards.”

Matchups to watch: Jaren vs. Zion and the 3-point battle

Jaren Jackson Jr. vs. Zion Williamson is the headline. Jackson Jr. brings 21.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and a steady 2.0 threes per game. He’s Memphis’ best two-way answer to Zion’s power and touch. Williamson leads New Orleans at 22.5 points with efficiency inside the arc and constant pressure on the rim.

On the perimeter, Trey Murphy III has been a swing factor. He’s averaging 20.7 points with 3.3 made threes per game, plus 4.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. When he gets clean looks, New Orleans’ spacing opens up for Zion drives and kick-outs to shooters like Saddiq Bey (12.7 PPG, 1.3 3PM).

Memphis will lean on Cam Spencer to organize the half-court. His 7.7 assists per game are key with Morant out, and his 11.4 points can calm stretches when the game speeds up. In the paint, Jock Landale (10.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG) must battle the boards and finish efficiently to keep pace with New Orleans’ second-chance looks.

What the numbers say

Memphis averages 114.8 points per game on 45.4% shooting and 34.7% from three. That’s enough offense to win on most nights, but the recent slide suggests late-game execution and depth are the bigger hurdles.

New Orleans averages 114.0 points per game. Team field-goal percentage data was incomplete, but the Pelicans are hitting roughly 33% from three. That’s where Murphy, Bey, and Jones matter; if that trio clears average from deep, Zion’s rim pressure becomes far more dangerous.

“If Murphy hits early threes, Memphis will be chasing all night.”

Keys to the night

• Memphis’ margin for error: With six players out, rotations shrink. Jaren Jackson Jr. needs a clean whistle, and bench minutes must be steady, not swingy.
• Pelicans’ focus: With only Murray out, New Orleans has the bodies. Keeping turnovers low and feeding Zion early sets a tone.
• 3-point volatility: Murphy and Bey vs. the Grizzlies’ perimeter defense looms large. For Memphis, Spencer’s pacing and Jackson Jr.’s pick-and-pop threes can keep the math close.
• Glass and second chances: Landale’s rebounding versus New Orleans’ collective effort could quietly decide possessions, especially late.

Big-picture stakes

For Memphis, snapping the skid matters more than style. A win on the road, with a thin roster, would steady the season and lock up the season series. For New Orleans, the path is straightforward: take advantage of healthier bodies, feed Zion, and trust wings to hit open shots.

These teams have already played three close ones. Expect more of the same: physical paint touches, timely threes, and late-game details. If Jackson Jr. wins his minutes and Memphis keeps turnovers in check, the Grizzlies can grind one out. If Zion lives at the rim and Murphy heats up, the Pelicans are set up to level the series.

Either way, Friday night offers a clear test: who can best survive the January grind, with the roster they have right now?

Note: Some team statistical fields for New Orleans were listed as incomplete in the provided data.