This game was the second of a back-to-back that started on Thursday in the Pelicans’ loss to the Houston Rockets. This now marks a new low for the team this season as they now hold a 5-27 record, which is the worst in the NBA after the Washington Wizards moved to 5-23 following their Thursday night win over the Charlotte Hornets.

Ja Morant's right shoulder is bothering him again after the Grizzlies' star guard was knocked out of Memphis' 132-124 victory in New Orleans.

Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant will have his shoulder evaluated after suffering an injury against the New Orleans Pelicans, per the

Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 33 points, Ja Morant scored 25 before leaving with what appeared to be a minor right shoulder injury, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the slumping New Orleans Pelicans 132-124.

Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant has been the star of the show in Memphis as usual, but the 25-year-old All-Star has had a hard time staying on the court. Morant has already missed 12 games this season, and an early departure in Friday's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans has left fans worried once again.

New Orleans comes into a matchup with Memphis as losers of five straight home games. The teams match up Friday for the first time this season.

With the disappointing 5-22 start to the 2024-25 NBA season, it would take something akin to divine intervention if the New Orleans Pelicans want to qualify for the NBA postseason. Unfortunately, this is a matter that the team is all too familiar with.

The Rockets are on the road but looking no worse for wear. After three quarters their offense has really been able to impose its will, dominating the Pelicans 108-80. The Rockets entered the matchup having won three straight and they're just one quarter away from another.

The Pelicans (5-27) now find themselves in the midst of their second nine-game losing streak of the season. They’ve lost 18 of their last 19 games. The lone win during that stretch was a Dec. 5 126-124 victory over the Phoenix Suns sandwiched between the pair of nine-game losing streaks.

The Houston Rockets (20-9) visit the New Orleans Pelicans (5-25) on Thursday. Tip-off from Smoothie King Arena is at 8 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's NBA odds around the Rockets vs. Pelica

The Rockets scored 39 points in the first quarter en route to a blowout victory Thursday against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first game of a back-to-back.