GRIZZLIES, PELICANS MEET IN REMATCH OF HIGH-SCORING AFFAIR NEW ORLEANS (Interstat) — The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans will meet for the second time in eight days Friday night at Smoothie King Center, looking to build momentum after difficult stretches of the season. The Grizzlies (18-26) arrive having lost three of their last four, including a 108-99 defeat in Houston on Monday. The Pelicans (12-37) have dropped seven of their last 10, most recently falling 104-95 in Oklahoma City on Tuesday. Their last meeting, however, was an offensive showcase. New Orleans outlasted Memphis 133-127 on Jan. 23 behind a dominant performance from Zion Williamson. The Pelicans star forward posted 24 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in that victory, part of a recent run of strong play. Over his last 10 games, Williamson is averaging 21.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists. Memphis will counter with forward Santi Aldama, who has been a consistent contributor. Aldama is averaging 13.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists over his last 10 contests. He tallied 17 points and seven rebounds in the loss to Houston and had 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists in the Jan. 11 win over Brooklyn. The season series is tied 1-1, with each team winning on the other’s home floor. Memphis took the first meeting 133-128 in New Orleans on Nov. 26. For the Grizzlies, Friday’s game opens a stretch where they will play seven of their next eight on the road. The Pelicans, meanwhile, begin a five-game trip after this single home contest. In the Jan. 23 matchup, the teams combined for 260 points. Containing Williamson and improving defensive execution will be a priority for a Memphis team that has allowed an average of 117.3 points over its last three games. New Orleans, which allows a league-worst 121.1 points per game, will need to find answers for Aldama and frontcourt partner Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 17 points against Houston. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST.