Just when the New Orleans Pelicans appeared to be finding their rhythm, the NBA schedule delivered the ultimate early-season measuring stick.

The Pelicans travel to Memphis on Monday night to face the undefeated Grizzlies, a team that has opened the 2026-27 season with six consecutive victories and one of the league’s most explosive offenses.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT at FedExForum, with the game available on Pelicans+ and Gulf Coast Sports.

New Orleans enters at 2-4 after consecutive home victories over Sacramento and Atlanta, including an impressive 121-99 win over the Hawks on Saturday.

Those victories have provided a welcome turnaround following an 0-4 start, but Memphis represents a significant step up in competition.

The Grizzlies are averaging 121.2 points per game, the highest mark in the NBA, while allowing just 106 points per contest.

They’ve also dominated the glass, averaging a league-leading 49.8 rebounds per game.

That’s a potentially dangerous combination for a Pelicans team still searching for consistency defensively.

Zion Williamson remains the centerpiece of the New Orleans offense, averaging 20.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 steals through six games.

But Williamson won’t be able to carry the offensive load alone.

Dejounte Murray is averaging 17.8 points and six assists, while Saddiq Bey has contributed 15.2 points per game.

Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears has also provided an encouraging early-season spark, averaging 13 points and 4.5 assists.

The biggest challenge could come from Memphis’ emerging stars.

Ty Jerome leads the Grizzlies with 25.8 points per game, while rookie forward Cameron Boozer is averaging 17.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.7 assists.

Boozer’s versatility creates a particularly interesting matchup for a New Orleans frontcourt that could be short-handed.

Center Yves Missi is listed out with a knee injury, while guard Jordan Poole is also unavailable because of an ankle injury.

Trey Murphy III is dealing with a patellar issue and remains a player to monitor before tipoff.

Memphis has injury concerns involving Scotty Pippen Jr. and Quinten Post, both listed as day-to-day.

For New Orleans, the most important battle might be on the boards.

Memphis enters averaging nearly six more rebounds per game than the Pelicans, creating opportunities for second-chance points and additional possessions.

The Grizzlies are also shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range, compared with 31.2 percent for New Orleans.

That means the Pelicans can’t afford careless turnovers, defensive lapses or extended scoring droughts.

The good news is that New Orleans has already demonstrated it can produce offensively. The Pelicans are averaging 119.7 points while shooting 50 percent from the field.

The challenge is maintaining that production against a Memphis defense ranked among the league’s best.

A third consecutive victory would give New Orleans its most impressive result of the young season.

But even a competitive performance would offer a clearer picture of whether the Pelicans’ recent turnaround is sustainable.

After opening the season with four straight losses, New Orleans has an opportunity to make a statement against the NBA’s hottest team.

And there’s no better place to prove progress than against an unbeaten division rival.