Memphis takes a 6-0 record into the Pelicans game, and the coverage is split between celebrating it and asking how long it lasts. Checked against the roster, the answer depends on the schedule and on who is available.
Is the 6-0 start built on soft advantages?
Chris Herrington of the Daily Memphian wrote Nov. 1 that the start had been helped by a few advantages, and asked whether the rest would hold as the schedule hardens. The numbers show a real gap: a 14.7 net rating, 118.8 offense and 104.1 defense, over only six games. The Thunder on Nov. 6 and the Nuggets on Nov. 11 will test it.
Can the Pelicans stop a seventh straight win?
ESPN framed tonight as Memphis aiming for a 7th straight win. New Orleans is 2-4 with a 1.7 net rating, and Dejounte Murray, Yves Missi and Jordan Poole are all listed out. Zion Williamson is scoring 20.7 a game and Trey Murphy III 14.3. Both teams have one day of rest, so the gap is depth, not freshness.
Who is actually available after the Kings game?
Herrington reported Oct. 31 that Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr. and Quinten Post were inactive. Jerome was cleared Nov. 1, while Pippen and Post carry Nov. 2 return estimates. By our count, 5 of 7 Grizzlies listed this way since Oct. 20 missed the next game, against 57% league-wide, so the estimates deserve caution.
Is Cameron Boozer as good as the buzz says?
Josh Cornelissen of Beale Street Bears wrote that Boozer is breaking LeBron James records, which is their claim; we cannot confirm it. What we can show: 17.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists in six games, a triple-double at Portland with 18, 12 and 12, and 27 points against Sacramento. That is a strong start, but a short one.
Does the trade chatter change anything?
Hoops Rumors ran a Grizzlies notes item Nov. 1 naming Boozer, Stewart, Jackson, Spencer and Lopez, and no Memphis player has been tied to a deal. The payroll sits at $161.1M, below the $200.4M tax line, but owed second-round picks limit how much Memphis can offer. Nothing here suggests a move is close.
Who do the Grizzlies play on Nov. 2?
They host the New Orleans Pelicans, who are 2-4 and list Dejounte Murray, Yves Missi and Jordan Poole as out.
Is Ty Jerome healthy for the Pelicans game?
Jerome was cleared Nov. 1 after missing the Kings game with a back issue. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Quinten Post carry Nov. 2 return estimates.
