“Average whistle in Memphis, and the Pelicans live at the free-throw line. Zion drives to the rim like it owes him money, and this crew's going to collect with interest.”
MONTY SAYS
THE WHISTLE FORECAST
Mon, Nov 2, 2026 · 8:00 PM ET · before tip-off
NOP @ MEM New Orleans at Memphis
THE CREW Not posted yet. The league names it about 9 a.m. ET on game day.
The price and the whistle
Moneyline not posted yet.
Whistle edge: NOP should get about 1.7 more free throws.
Win chance is the market’s, from the moneyline with the bookmaker’s margin removed. Not our pick. 19+ (21+ in most of the US).
CREW READ
PENDING
The league posts referee assignments about 9 a.m. ET on game day. The crew read lands here as soon as it does.
The free-throw battle
how busy each end should be
NOP should get to the line more: about 1.7 extra free throws.
When NOP have the ballLeans busy
quietleague middlebusy
NOP draw fouls: mid-pack; get to the line: 4th most. MEM commit fouls: 6th most; give up free throws: mid-pack. Expected free throws for NOP: 24.8.
When MEM have the ballQuiet end
quietleague middlebusy
MEM draw fouls: 6th fewest; get to the line: 6th fewest. NOP commit fouls: mid-pack; give up free throws: mid-pack. Expected free throws for MEM: 23.1.
League ranks this season, out of 30.
Where they stand
NOP MEM
Overall
When they defend
When they attack
League rank out of 30 this season, 1st = best for the team: most points scored, fewest allowed, fewest fouls and free throws given up, most fouls drawn and trips to the line. The right-hand number is how many places the leader is ahead.
What to expect
vs league avg
NOP
24.8
free throws
FT busier
Fouls average
MEM
23.1
free throws
FT quieter
Fouls average
Foul trouble
2 fouls in Q1 or 3 by half
Zion Williamson
Elevated
1.7× a typical starter · 19% chance
Riskier than 77% of regulars; 16th highest of 82 on the slate.
Who’s out
NOP
Nobody listed
MEM
Nobody listed
The lines
Lines not posted yet. Books usually open the day before.
For information only. Prices move; check your book. 19+ (21+ in most of the US).
A forecast from pre-game data. Not a pick. One game is noise; we score the crew read by season: our track record.