Best Ways to Watch New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Tonight

Finding the right channel or streaming service for a New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies matchup depends largely on your physical location and the stakes of the game. As the 2025-26 NBA season reaches its critical postseason phase, broadcast rights are split between local regional sports networks and national carriers. This guide identifies the specific platforms, channels, and radio frequencies available for fans looking to catch every play live.

National Broadcast Options for Postseason Matchups

When these two Southwest Division rivals meet during high-stakes windows, national television networks often take priority over local broadcasts. For games scheduled in late April, such as play-in tournament or playoff scenarios, major networks like ESPN, TNT, and ABC are the primary destinations. Additionally, the 2025-26 season sees significant involvement from NBC and its streaming counterpart, Peacock.

National broadcasts typically mean the game will not be available on local regional sports networks or through the standard NBA League Pass live stream. If the game is on ABC or NBC, viewers can often access the broadcast for free using a high-definition over-the-air (OTA) antenna. For ESPN and TNT, a subscription to a cable provider or a live TV streaming service such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo is required.

Watching in the New Orleans Market

Fans residing within the New Orleans Pelicans' designated television territory have unique access through the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network (GCSEN). This network was established to maximize reach through a partnership with Gray Media, moving games away from restrictive cable-only models to a hybrid of over-the-air and digital platforms.

Over-the-Air (OTA) Free Television

One of the most accessible ways to watch the Pelicans in the local market is through free television. By using a standard digital antenna, fans in 14 different markets across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama can tune into GCSEN. The primary station in New Orleans is WVUE Fox 8, but the network extends far beyond the city limits.

Here is a breakdown of the OTA channels for the Pelicans’ broadcast network:

• New Orleans, LA: Channel 7.1 (WVUE)
• Baton Rouge, LA: Channel 9.3 (WAFB)
• Shreveport, LA: Channel 12.2 (KSLA)
• Lafayette, LA: Channel 32.1 (KXKW)
• Mobile, AL: Channel 10.5 (WALA)
• Biloxi, MS: Channel 51.3 (WTBL) or 13.6 (WLOX)
• Jackson, MS: Channel 3.3 (WLBT)
• Lake Charles, LA: Channel 32.1 (KGCH)

To access these, ensure your television performs a "channel scan" with an HD antenna connected. This provides a high-definition feed without a monthly subscription fee.

Cable and Satellite Providers

For those who prefer traditional cable, GCSEN is carried by major providers throughout the region. On Cox Cable in New Orleans, the Pelicans games are typically found on Channel 10. In Baton Rouge and Lafayette, Cox subscribers can find the games on Channel 22. DirecTV users (both satellite and stream) can generally locate the broadcast on Channel 676-6. U-verse subscribers often find the HD feed on Channel 1759.

Watching in the Memphis Market

Memphis Grizzlies fans within the local territory primarily watch games through the FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (formerly Bally Sports). This network covers the majority of Tennessee and parts of the surrounding states. Unlike the Pelicans' broad over-the-air strategy, Grizzlies games in the local market remain largely tied to regional sports network (RSN) agreements.

FanDuel Sports Network Southeast Channels

Local viewers can find the Grizzlies on these platforms:

• Xfinity (Comcast): Channel numbers vary by neighborhood, but it is typically in the 1250+ range for HD.
• DirecTV: Channel 649.
• Spectrum: Local channel listings generally place the RSN in the digital tier above channel 30.

If you are a cord-cutter in the Memphis area, the most reliable way to access FanDuel Sports Network is through a subscription to Fubo or DirecTV Stream, as these platforms carry the necessary RSNs that other services like YouTube TV might lack due to carriage disputes.

Digital Streaming and Direct-to-Consumer Apps

As the media landscape shifts, both teams have embraced direct-to-consumer (DTC) options. These are designed for fans who do not have a cable package but live within the team's broadcast region.

Pelicans+ Details

Pelicans+ is the dedicated streaming service for fans within 150 miles of New Orleans. This includes the entire state of Louisiana and specific zip codes in neighboring states.

• Pricing: For the 2025-26 season, the service is priced at approximately $14.99 per month or $99.99 for a full season pass.
• Device Compatibility: The app is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and mobile devices (iOS and Android) through the NBA App ecosystem.
• Limitations: Only one stream is allowed at a time per account. Furthermore, the service utilizes GPS or IP-based geolocation; if you travel outside the 150-mile radius for more than 30 days, access may be restricted until you return to the home market.

FanDuel Sports Network App

For Grizzlies fans, the FanDuel Sports Network app offers a DTC subscription. This allows local fans to stream games live without a cable login. The pricing is comparable to other RSN streaming services, usually around $19.99 per month. This app is the primary digital home for Memphis fans who fall within the Tennessee broadcast territory.

Out-of-Market Viewing: NBA League Pass

If you live outside both the New Orleans and Memphis local markets (for example, in New York or Chicago), the most comprehensive tool is NBA League Pass.

League Pass provides access to every game that is not being broadcast nationally or on your local RSN. However, "blackout rules" apply. If the Pelicans vs. Grizzlies game is being shown on a national network like ESPN, it will not be live on League Pass. Similarly, if you live in Memphis, you cannot watch the Grizzlies on League Pass because the local RSN holds the exclusive rights in that area.

For international fans, League Pass International typically carries all games, including the playoffs, without the domestic blackout restrictions found in the United States and Canada.

Radio Broadcasts: Audio Coverage

When you cannot be near a screen, radio remains a reliable way to follow the game.

• Pelicans Radio: The flagship station is WWL 870 AM / 105.3 FM. For Spanish-speaking listeners in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas, Tropical Radio (830 AM / 94.7 FM) provides live play-by-play.
• Grizzlies Radio: The game is broadcast on 92.9 FM ESPN Radio and 680 AM in Memphis. These stations offer pre-game analysis and post-game call-in shows that provide local perspective.

Audio streams are also available through the NBA App with a "League Pass Audio" subscription, which is significantly cheaper than the video packages and does not suffer from geographic blackouts.

Viewing in Public Venues

Sports bars and restaurants are staple locations for catching Pelicans vs. Grizzlies games, especially during the postseason. Most commercial establishments use DirecTV for Business, which typically includes the necessary regional sports networks and national channels. In New Orleans, establishments along Magazine Street or in the Central Business District (CBD) frequently host watch parties. In Memphis, Beale Street is the hub for Grizzlies fans, with numerous venues displaying games on large-scale projection screens.

Technical Troubleshooting for Live Streams

Streaming live sports requires a stable connection to avoid buffering during critical moments. For a 1080p HD stream, a minimum download speed of 10 Mbps is recommended. For 4K broadcasts (available on select national feeds), at least 25 Mbps is necessary.

Common issues and solutions include:

• Blackout Errors: If the app claims you are in a blacked-out area incorrectly, check your device's location services. Ensure you are not using a VPN, as many sports streaming apps block known VPN IP addresses to comply with regional contracts.
• Lag/Sync Issues: If the audio and video are out of sync, restarting the app or clearing the cache on your streaming device (like a Firestick or Roku) often resolves the problem.
• App Updates: Always ensure the NBA App or FanDuel Sports app is updated to the latest version before tip-off to avoid forced updates during the game.

Matchup Context and Viewing Value

The rivalry between the Pelicans and Grizzlies has intensified due to their shared history in the Southwest Division and the career arcs of their respective young cores. Historically, the head-to-head record has remained remarkably close, often hovering near a .500 split over dozens of regular-season meetings.

Key elements to watch for in the broadcast include:

• Interior Defense: Both teams emphasize point-in-the-paint scoring, making the battle at the rim a primary focus for the camera crews.
• Transition Play: Memphis frequently ranks near the top of the league in fast-break points, while New Orleans utilizes a versatile wing-heavy rotation to disrupt passing lanes.
• Rookie Development: With the 2025 draft class now fully integrated into their second year, pay attention to the localized commentary regarding the growth of younger rotation players who may be seeing their first real postseason action.

Comparison of Viewing Platforms

Summary of Access by Territory

For those in the Greater New Orleans area, the simplest and most cost-effective method remains the over-the-air antenna tuned to WVUE or its sister stations. It provides a reliable, uncompressed signal that is often several seconds ahead of digital streams, which is vital for fans following live betting lines or social media updates.

For those in Memphis, the FanDuel Sports Network remains the gatekeeper for local coverage. Ensuring your cable or streaming provider (like Fubo) carries this specific RSN is the first step before the game starts.

Finally, for the global audience, the NBA App serves as the central hub. Whether through a full League Pass subscription or a localized DTC pass, the league has made significant strides in ensuring that the Pelicans and Grizzlies are available on virtually any screen, provided the user understands the regional boundaries of the broadcast contracts. As these two teams continue to fight for playoff positioning in late April 2026, the variety of ways to watch ensures that no fan is left in the dark.