MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES AT NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Monday, Dec. 5
Other 2016-17 games between these two teams
Wednesday, Nov. 2, New Orleans at Memphis
Wednesday, Feb. 5, New Orleans at Memphis
Tuesday, March 21, Memphis at New Orleans
Why it’s on the list
If the Pelicans are to move up the pecking order in the Southwest Division and dramatically increase their chances of returning to the playoffs, the Grizzlies are one of the teams they’ll probably need to beat more frequently, after being swept 4-0 last season. The series vs. Memphis was an extremely frustrating one in 2015-16, featuring an overtime defeat at FedEx Forum, in addition to a separate two-point loss in regulation. Two of the NBA’s smallest cities, New Orleans and Memphis are only separated by about 400 miles on the map, making it somewhat common to see groups of fans of the visiting team in both arenas. On the court, Pelicans-Grizzlies is highlighted by several intriguing matchups, including the duel at point guard between Jrue Holiday and Mike Conley, as well as paint jostling between Anthony Davis and the Grizzlies’ longtime tag-team due of Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.
What’s new in Memphis
The biggest Grizzlies offseason acquisition was small forward Chandler Parsons, who gives Memphis some much-needed athleticism and scoring punch at a wing position. If he can stay healthy, Parsons (66 and 61 appearances in the last two seasons with Dallas, respectively) appears to be an ideal fit for a team that’s consistently great defensively, but could benefit from a more dynamic offense. Memphis also made headlines in July when it re-signed stalwart point guard Mike Conley to the biggest contract in NBA history (measured by total value). The Grizzlies picked first-rounder Wade Baldwin IV, who potentially could be Conley’s backup, a role that’s changed hands constantly in recent years. Among the club’s other moves, Michigan State big Deyonta Davis was a second-round pick; athletic wing James Ennis – who made a late-season cameo with New Orleans in 2015-16 – signed in free agency.
