The Memphis Grizzlies (30-15) surged in the second half, extending their win streak to four with a commanding 139-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans (12-33) on January 26.
Memphis Grizzlies Top Performers:
Jaren Jackson Jr. 29 PTS | 5-9 3PT | 7 AST | 46.5 FPS
JJJ has been a consistent offensive force, scoring at least 17 points while shooting above 50% in eight of eleven games this month. His rebounding and defensive stats might have dipped slightly, but it’s not a major concern with his contributions never being lackluster.
Luke Kennard 27 PTS | 7-9 3PT | 6 AST | 41.6 FPS
Kennard has been tremendous in four of his last five appearances. He’s averaging 20.5 points and 5.3 threes, making him a must-roster player now with Morant being in and out of the lineup.
Zach Edey 13 PTS | 11 REB | 2 BLK | 39.7 FPS
Edey hasn’t been very productive lately, and the team’s depth continues to cap his fantasy value. But he’s stepped up today amidst the team’s injury problems, delivering a well-rounded stat line.
Desmond Bane 20 PTS | 9-18 FG | 14 AST | 39.0 FPS
Bane’s production in other areas has been down recently, but he continues to be an offensive threat, putting up 20+ points in seven straight games while his assists have surged to 10.3 in his last four, filling in for Morant.
Brandon Clarke 14 PTS | 9 REB | 2 STL | 29.8 FPS
Clarke has been a steady performer even with limited minutes, grabbing rebounds and generating steals.
New Orleans Pelicans Top Performers:
Dejounte Murray 26 PTS | 10-16 FG | 7 AST | 40.7 FPS
Murray has consistently appeared on the injury report with an elbow issue but hasn’t missed a game since November. He’s been a key contributor in category leagues, posting solid numbers across the board except for blocks. His efficiency had been his lone weakness, but he completely turned things around with today’s performance.
Trey Murphy III 22 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST | 34.2 FPS
Murphy has capitalized on Ingram’s absence, elevating his game to a high level. He’s scored 22+ points seven times and slightly under that twice, shooting 90.8% from the free-throw line and hitting 3 triples this month. His rebounding and playmaking have been solid, but it’s his low turnovers and strong defensive stats that make him stand out.
CJ McCollum 22 PTS | 7-11 FT | 4 AST | 30.2 FPS
McCollum followed up his 45-point explosion with his second 20-point game and has shot over 50% and knocked down 4.7 threes in three straight games after a rough recent stretch. He’s continued to contribute across other areas, but his inefficiency at the free-throw line remains a frustration.
Jordan Hawkins 20 PTS | 2 REB | 2 STL | 28.9 FPS
Hawkins’s recent performance in his increased minutes suggests that he could be a valuable asset going forward. He’s becoming a well-rounded player with his ability to score, shoot threes, and contribute defensively.
Yves Missi 10 PTS | 5 REB | 2 BLK | 25.5 FPS
Missi returned from a two-game absence and continued to be a steady contributor in blocks and FG%. But with Williamson set to return, his minutes—and consequently his production—are likely to take a hit.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Jose Alvarado 9 PTS | 6 AST | 2 TO
Alvarado has shown improvement on offense, hitting 3+ threes in four of his last seven games. He remains a consistent threat for steals, but his inefficiency, coupled with his declining minutes, has made him an unreliable fantasy option this season.
