New Orleans will need consecutive wins in next week’s Western Conference play-in tournament to advance to the 2022 playoffs. Perhaps it’s a good thing the Pelicans definitely won’t open the West quarterfinal round in Memphis. For a second time since March 8, the second-seeded Grizzlies ran away with a one-sided victory over the Pelicans at FedEx Forum. Memphis – which opens the playoffs next weekend in Tennessee – will face either Minnesota or the LA Clippers.
Memphis put it away Saturday with a 55-point third quarter, expanding a 17-point edge to 39. A month ago, the Grizzlies rolled to a 132-111 triumph over the Pelicans in the same building.