The NBA season is winding down, and several teams are going to great lengths to maximize their NBA Draft lottery odds with the playoffs out of reach. This will be on full display in the matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans, with Quentin Grimes being the latest name added to the lengthy injury report, as he will miss this matchup due to rest.
Grimes has been on an absolute tear for the Sixers scoring 25+ points in eight straight games. Across his 20 games in Philadelphia, the 24-year-old is averaging 22.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game across his 33.4 minutes of action. Grimes has been granted more basketball freedom than he has seen in any of his three previous NBA stops, which is working out in his favor as he is set to be a free agent this offseason.
Grimes will take a seat on a crowded bench that also includes Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Kelly Oubre Jr, Andre Drummond, Lonnie Walker IV, Jared McCain, Eric Gordon, and Kyle Lowry.
The decision to rest Grimes also comes as a bit of a counter to the Pelicans. While it is fair to note Grimes played yesterday, logging 34:57 of game time, New Orleans has already ruled out Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Bruce Brown for tonight’s game. Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Dejounte Murray have also already been ruled out for the year due to their respective injuries.
This is an important matchup from the lottery standpoint, as New Orleans holds the fourth-worst record in the NBA at 19-53. Philadelphia is not far behind them, as they are currently tied with the Brooklyn Nets for the fifth-worst record at 23-48 on the year. It also is important to note that Oklahoma City will gain possession of the Sixers’ draft pick if it falls outside the top six.
New Orleans enters this game a five-point favorite and -192 on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. Philadelphia holds +160 odds on the Moneyline and the game total is set at 228.5.
With Grimes and just about everyone else on the Sixers roster ruled out, look for Justin Edwards and Ricky Council IV to continue making the most of their expanded opportunity.
