Pelicans vs. Grizzlies odds, line, start time: 2023 NBA picks, April 5 predictions from proven computer model

The New Orleans Pelicans (40-39) will try to clinch their spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament when they host the Memphis Grizzlies (50-29) on Wednesday night. New Orleans came up short in its first attempt at clinching a play-in berth, losing to Sacramento in a 121-103 final on Tuesday. Memphis has a two-game lead over Sacramento for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with three games remaining. 

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET from Smoothie King Center. New Orleans is favored by 5.5 points in the latest Pelicans vs. Grizzlies odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under is set at 229.5. Before entering any Grizzlies vs. Pelicans picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions from the model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters the final week of the 2022-23 NBA regular season a stunning 71-36 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $3,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Pelicans vs. Grizzlies. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for Grizzlies vs. Pelicans:

• Pelicans vs. Grizzlies spread: Pelicans -5.5
• Pelicans vs. Grizzlies over/under: 229.5 points
• Pelicans vs. Grizzlies money line: New Orleans -210, Memphis +175
• Pelicans vs. Grizzlies picks: See picks here

Featured Game | New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Why the Pelicans can cover

New Orleans is motivated to clinch a berth in the Western Conference play-in tournament after failing to do so on Tuesday. The Pelicans were led by Brandon Ingram’s 22 points, ending a streak of nine consecutive games of at least 25 points. He averaged 30.3 points during that stretch, scoring 14 first-quarter points against the Kings. 

Memphis is nearly locked into the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, leaving the Grizzlies without as much motivation as New Orleans. Point guard CJ McCollum is scoring 20.7 points, 5.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game, reaching double figures in every game that he has played in since Dec. 7. The Pelicans have won and covered the spread in seven of their last nine games. 

Why the Grizzlies can cover

Memphis has won 10 of its last 11 games against Western Conference teams, including its 119-109 win against Portland on Tuesday. Shooting guard Desmond Bane scored 30 points and was a key part of a fourth-quarter rally. Point guard Ja Morant scored 23 points, dished out nine assists and grabbed six rebounds, shooting 9 of 15 from the floor.

Morant leads the Grizzlies with 26.4 points, 8.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game, posting a triple-double against Chicago on Sunday. Bane is averaging 21.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists after his 30-point outburst on Tuesday. The Grizzlies have won and covered the spread in five of the last six head-to-head games between these teams. 

How to make Pelicans vs. Grizzlies picks

The model has simulated Grizzlies vs. Pelicans 10,000 times and the results are in. We can tell you that the model is leaning Over, and it’s also generated a point-spread pick that is hitting in well over 50% of simulations. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Pelicans vs. Grizzlies? And which side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine to see which side of the Grizzlies vs. Pelicans spread to jump on, all from the advanced model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.