If you’ve ever found yourself flipping channels late at night and stumbled on a Grizzlies vs Pelicans game, you might’ve stuck around just because something felt… different. Maybe it was Ja Morant doing something gravity-defying. Maybe Zion Williamson bowling through defenders like he’s late for lunch. Either way, welcome to one of the NBA’s most unexpectedly spicy matchups.
As someone who lives for popcorn-worthy basketball (and, let’s be real, the drama too), this game hits every note. Let’s dive into the chaos, fun, and sheer unpredictability that is the Grizzlies vs Pelicans showdown.
A Southern Showdown: More Than Just a Game
Let’s start with the vibe. This isn’t Lakers-Celtics or Bulls-Knicks — it’s not about long decades-old rivalries. It’s something fresher, but equally compelling. It’s the South’s finest basketball offerings throwing hands (metaphorically… most of the time).
The Memphis Grizzlies come with grit, grind, and a chip on their shoulder the size of Beale Street. The New Orleans Pelicans? They’ve got flair, physicality, and a whole lot of “we’re not your little brother anymore” energy. This isn’t just basketball — it’s personality vs personality.
Grizzlies vs Pelicans: A Collision Course for the Ages
Let’s talk star power. Ja Morant and Zion Williamson were taken #2 and #1 respectively in the 2019 NBA Draft. So yeah, there’s some natural tension here. They’re not just stars — they’re polar opposites.
Ja is flash, finesse, and mid-air magic. Zion is pure power, all momentum and muscle. Watching them go head-to-head is like seeing a Marvel crossover episode you didn’t know you needed.
As a casual viewer? You get highlight-reel stuff that makes you whisper, “did he just do that?”
My First Time Watching: Grizzlies vs Pelicans
True story — the first time I really paid attention to a Grizzlies vs Pelicans game was totally by accident. I was trying to avoid a work deadline (as one does) and ended up watching them on League Pass.
By halftime, I was texting friends like, “Why didn’t you TELL me this game was going off?” There was a Zion slam that looked like it cracked the floor. Ja responded with a chase-down block that made me question physics. It was chaos. It was perfect.
A Tale of Two Teams: Grizzlies vs Pelicans
The Grizzlies: Picture the guy in a dive bar who never backs down from a bar fight. They play hard, talk loud, and walk like they own the court — even when they’re down 15. Dillon Brooks (before he left), Desmond Bane, and of course Ja have made the team feel like a defiant band of rebels.
The Pelicans: More like your cool cousin who just showed up with a new haircut and a leather jacket. They’re stylish but tough. Brandon Ingram brings silky smooth midrange magic. CJ McCollum is the seasoned vet who plays like he’s sipping whiskey mid-game.
Coaching and Culture: Taylor Jenkins vs Willie Green
Let’s not sleep on the sideline game. Taylor Jenkins has turned Memphis into a defensive buzzsaw with a young core that actually believes it can win. Willie Green, meanwhile, has the Pelicans buying into team defense and quick ball movement.
These coaches are still relatively young in the NBA coaching scene, but both bring a fire that matches their squads’ intensity.
Trash Talk and Tension: The Subtle Heat
One thing I LOVE about this matchup? The subtle trash talk. It’s not LeBron vs Draymond level, but it simmers. Little moments — a stare down after a dunk, chirping on the bench, even a hard screen — it adds up.
You can tell these teams don’t particularly like each other. And that’s beautiful for fans.
The Crowd Factor: Beale Street Beats vs Smoothie King Hype
Playing in Memphis? Expect drums, dancing, and a crowd that will boo your grandma if she’s wearing the wrong jersey.
New Orleans? It’s less rowdy but more… unpredictable. I’ve seen fans in full Mardi Gras gear at midseason games. And somehow, it works.

Standout Games You Need to Rewatch (Grizzlies vs Pelicans)
- January 2023: Zion dropped 35, but Ja had a triple-double and the Grizz stole a win late. Insane pace.
- March 2024: Brandon Ingram caught fire and dropped 40+ in a game that looked like it would never end.
- December 2022: Over 260 combined points. I’m still tired thinking about it.
Social Media Loves This Matchup of Grizzlies vs Pelicans
Check Twitter (or X, whatever Elon’s calling it this week) during one of these games and it’s a meme goldmine. There are always gifs of Ja floating like a butterfly or Zion dunking like a wrecking ball.
Plus, the fanbases are passionate and petty — the best combo.
Fantasy Tip: Bet on the Backcourt
If you play fantasy hoops, this game is a sneaky goldmine. The pace is high, the stars get usage, and even the bench guys eat when the game goes to 130 points.
My advice? Slot in whoever’s starting at point guard, throw in Bane or Ingram, and enjoy the ride.
Injury Drama and Depth: Always a Wild Card
Both teams have had issues staying healthy. Ja’s suspension. Zion’s mystery injuries. Ingram’s occasional disappearances. It keeps things interesting… and maddening if you’re trying to make sense of who’s playing.
But it also means bench guys like Jose Alvarado or Santi Aldama randomly become heroes. Fun chaos!
Will This Become a Real Rivalry?
Honestly? It’s already halfway there. Add a playoff series into the mix and it’s officially a thing. The Western Conference is brutal, but if these teams meet in April or May… whew.
Give me 7 games of Ja vs Zion with Charles Barkley yelling about defense every night.
Why It’s Worth Staying Up For
I get it. Not everyone wants to watch a Tuesday night game that starts at 9:30PM. But hear me out:
- You’ll see something you’ve never seen before
- The commentary is always spicy
- There’s a real chance someone gets dunked into next week
Closing Thoughts: Embrace the Southern Mayhem
So, what do we make of the Grizzlies vs Pelicans matchup? It’s not polished. It’s not historic. But it’s entertaining as heck.
It’s the kind of basketball you tell your friends about the next day. The kind that makes you yell at your TV. The kind where the future of the league flashes in and out with every possession.
If you haven’t given this game the attention it deserves — it’s time.
Grab some gumbo, crank the volume, and enjoy the madness.
FAQs
1. When is the next Grizzlies vs Pelicans game?
Check the NBA schedule — they usually play 3–4 times a year thanks to the Western Conference setup.
2. Who has the better all-time record in this matchup?
It’s pretty close, but Memphis has a slight edge in recent seasons.
3. Are Grizzlies vs Pelicans games usually high scoring?
Oh yes. Defense takes a coffee break during these matchups.
4. Can this matchup become a playoff rivalry?
Absolutely. One series could ignite it big time.
5. Best place to watch?
League Pass or ESPN/ABC if they’re lucky enough to be nationally televised. Otherwise, find a bar that plays NBA games and thank me later.