Grizzlies vs. Pelicans Tuesday NBA injury report, spread, odds: Jaren Jackson Jr. set for season debut; Desmond Bane, Zion Williamson questionable

Two rising clubs in the Western Conference meet in arguably the NBA matchup of the night as the Memphis Grizzlies visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. The game will reportedly mark the season debut of Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., but Memphis likely will be without second-leading scorer Desmond Bane. The Pelicans are listing their best player, Zion Williamson, as questionable. New Orleans is -3.5 at Caesars Sportsbook but that surely will drop if Zion sits.

Jackson had foot surgery in late June to repair a stress fracture and was given a timetable of 4-6 months to return, and says he intends to return tonight. The former No. 4 overall pick out of Michigan State averaged 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds last season and led the NBA in blocks en route being named to the All-Defensive First Team. Jackson surely will be on a minutes limit at first. His return should relegate Santi Aldama to a bench role.

Superstar Ja Morant missed Sunday's game against Washington with left ankle soreness but isn't on the injury report tonight. His backcourt partner Bane, who is averaging 24.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists, is doubtful with right toe soreness. He also missed Sunday, and John Konchar started in his spot. No pair of teammates in the Western Conference scores more points per game than the Morant-Bane duo (53.5).

Unfortunately, it's really no surprise that Zion is dinged up again as the former No. 1 overall pick seemingly can't stay healthy. In Saturday's 119-106 win over Houston, Williamson scored 26 points on just nine shots (8-for-9 from field) but is dealing with a right foot/ankle sprain. On the season, Williamson is averaging 23.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists and is the only NBA player to average at least 23.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting .565 or better from the field this season.

Tuesday's matchup features the top two rebounding teams in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies (47.6) rank second in the league in rebounding, while the Pelicans are tied for sixth (45.3). Memphis has been out-rebounded by its opponent only once during the 2022-23 season.

Memphis was 3-1 vs. New Orleans last season. 

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