New Orleans goes to Memphis tonight with two straight wins and a thin guard room. The Grizzlies are 6-0, the lone unbeaten team in the league, according to the Times-Picayune's Rod Walker.
Unbeaten Waiting
The Pelicans, 2-4 and seated 11th, play at Memphis tonight on one day of rest. They got here by beating the Kings 132-120 and the Hawks 121-99, with Saddiq Bey scoring 25 against Atlanta. Two wins is a streak, not yet a turn.
Who Plays
Trey Murphy III is day-to-day with a knee injury, and his return is estimated for today. Jordan Poole is out with a left ankle injury, estimated back November 4. Yves Missi is out with a left knee injury, estimated back November 8. Dejounte Murray was cleared on November 1.
The Count
By our count the Pelicans have lost 293 minutes to injury since October 20, 21st most among the 30 clubs. Two of the three day-to-day players on this club in that span missed the next game, so Murphy's tag deserves caution until he warms up.
Memphis Up Close
The Grizzlies post a net rating of 14.7 over six games; New Orleans sits at 1.7. Ty Jerome is scoring 25.8 a night across five games, and Cameron Boozer has 17.3 points and 10.5 rebounds in six. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Quinten Post are day-to-day. Small samples, but the gap is wide.
The Open Question
Can this group keep its guards on the floor long enough to build on two wins? The Jazz arrive November 4 and the Timberwolves November 6. The Pelicans are two games behind sixth place and 1.5 behind tenth, but their pace projects to 27-55. A win in Memphis would change that math.
Will Trey Murphy III play against the Grizzlies?
He is listed day-to-day with a knee injury, with a return estimated for November 2. Nothing in the report confirms he will play.
Who is out for the Pelicans at Memphis?
Jordan Poole (left ankle, estimated back November 4) and Yves Missi (left knee, estimated back November 8) are listed out. Dejounte Murray was cleared on November 1.
