Pelica Debrief
Fansided

New Orleans Pelicans: Scouting Southwest Division Rivals

By Cody Taylor

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 14: Ja Morant (L) of the Memphis Grizzlies and Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoot during warmups before a semifinal game of the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 14: Ja Morant (L) of the Memphis Grizzlies and Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoot during warmups before a semifinal game of the 2019 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JANUARY 07: Jrue Holiday #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives the ball around Kyle Anderson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies at Smoothie King Center on January 07, 2019 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. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

The Memphis Grizzlies picked Ja Morant just after the New Orleans Pelicans selected Zion Williamson.

Ja Morant was the second selection in the NBA Draft, just after Zion Williamson. Memphis could be doomed to settling for the second-best in the division for the next decade as a result.

Memphis Grizzlies

Pelicans 2018-19 Record Versus Grizzlies: 2-2

2019-20 Dates

Home: January 31st, March 24th

Away: January 20th, March 21st

After a stretch of seven seasons of playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies have missed the last 2 seasons. Finishing third in the division in 2018-19 behind Houston and San Antonio isn’t terrible but not anywhere close to being competitive in a challenging western conference.

More from Pelican Debrief

Like the New Orleans Pelicans, the NBA Draft Lottery gave the Memphis Grizzlies a stroke of luck with the #2 overall pick falling into their lap. Moving Marc Gasol at the deadline and ultimately moving off of franchise icon Mike Conley has led to the rebuild of the Grizzlies when the #2 pick became Ja Morant. With long term rebuilding expectations, not much should be expected of Memphis besides watching how Ja Morant’s game translates in the NBA overall.

With the first two picks of the 2019 NBA Draft going to the same division, we will be treated to an excellent bout between Zion Williamson and Ja Morant for many years to come. Lately, the Memphis Grizzlies have had the upper hand against the New Orleans Pelicans as Memphis holds a 10-6 record over the last four seasons.

However, the rebuild of the two teams is seemingly going in opposite directions. The Pelicans’ offseason acquisitions giving them a feel of a retooling more than a complete rebuild around Zion, so the tides of battles between the two teams should turn. While Memphis might not be overly competitive for the next few seasons, the battle between Zion and Ja will be worth the price of admission for the foreseeable future.

2019-20 Season Prediction Vs the Memphis Grizzlies: 4-0 New Orleans Pelicans

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