Grizzlies vs. Pelicans Tuesday NBA injury report, odds: Ja Morant's questionable status looms large over spread

How many points is Memphis Grizzlies All-Star guard and NBA MVP candidate worth to the Memphis Grizzlies in a given game at sportsbooks? That depends on a few factors, including the Grizzlies' opponent. Memphis is currently -4.5 at Caesars Sportsbook for tonight's game in New Orleans, and Morant is questionable. If he doesn't play, it wouldn't surprise this writer if the Pelicans became short favorites. Click here for model picks. 

Morant is officially questionable after tweaking his left ankle in Saturday's 125-118 win in Charlotte, the Grizzlies' fifth straight victory. He did play through it, finishing with 26 points, six assists and six rebounds, which are about his season averages. You might see teams being careful with their stars this week ahead of the All-Star break and get them more rest. There's also the fact the Grizzlies play again Wednesday at home vs. Portland. Morant will start in Sunday's All-Star Game, joining Marc Gasol as the only players in franchise history to start in it.

In going 5-0 this month, the Grizzlies have scored at least 120 points in five straight games for the first time ever and at least 125 points in their last four, also a club record. Memphis has won eight of its last nine games, leading six of those eight wins by 19 points or more and each of its past four by at least 28 points. The Grizzlies have won 13 straight games against the 15 teams that are currently at or below .500 this season.

New Orleans is 23-34 but probably a lot better than that record after the trade addition last week of CJ McCollum from Portland. The Pelicans showed what they are capable of by beating a very good Toronto team by 30 on Monday. McCollum scored 23 points and the Pelicans overall shot a season-best 58.4 percent.

Memphis lost in New Orleans 112-101 on Nov. 13 in the lone meeting between the teams this season. Morant had 22 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Caesars Sportsbook hasn't posted any Grizzlies player props yet for tonight because of Morant's uncertain status. 

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