Pelicans beat Grizzlies 114-106 as Morant sits out 4th straight

Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen each scored 22 points for New Orleans

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:15pm

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The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 114-106 on Friday night, with Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen each scoring 22 points for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson added 21 points for New Orleans, who improved to 13-37 on the season. Cam Spencer and Jaren Jackson Jr. each had 16 points for the Grizzlies, who were without star guard Ja Morant for the fourth consecutive game due to a sprained left elbow.

Why it matters

The Grizzlies' loss extends their losing streak to five games, as they continue to struggle without their star player Ja Morant. The Pelicans, on the other hand, were able to capitalize on Morant's absence and pick up an important win as they look to improve their record in the second half of the season.

The details

The Pelicans outscored the Grizzlies 35-15 in the third quarter to take a 93-76 lead. New Orleans made five 3-pointers in the third quarter, including three from Jose Alvarado. The Pelicans also played strong defense, holding the Grizzlies to their second-lowest scoring quarter of the season.

  • The game was played on Friday, January 31, 2026.
  • Ja Morant has missed the last four games due to a sprained left elbow.

The players

Saddiq Bey

A forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 22 points in the game.

Derik Queen

A player for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 22 points in the game.

Zion Williamson

A forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 21 points in the game.

Cam Spencer

A player for the Memphis Grizzlies who scored 16 points in the game.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

A player for the Memphis Grizzlies who scored 16 points in the game.

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What’s next

The Grizzlies will look to end their five-game losing streak when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, February 2nd.

The takeaway

The Pelicans were able to capitalize on Ja Morant's absence and pick up an important win, while the Grizzlies continue to struggle without their star player. This game highlights the importance of depth and team performance, even when a team's best player is sidelined.