Indiana’s promising start to the season has quickly unraveled, while Memphis has emerged as one of the NBA’s biggest early surprises ahead of the team’s clash at FedExForum on Wednesday.
The Pacers opened 2-1 with Tyrese Haliburton back in the lineup, but a hamstring injury has sidelined their star guard for six weeks. They have since dropped five straight, with additional injuries leaving the roster severely depleted.
Memphis, meanwhile, has raced to a 6-1 record behind a new-look roster and an outstanding start from Ty Jerome.
The Grizzlies suffered their first defeat in overtime against New Orleans on Monday, but they remain one of the league’s most productive offensive teams.
Memphis should be favored to get back on track, although there could be value in taking the points with Indiana.
Pacers vs. Grizzlies betting picks and predictions
Pacers +6.5 (-108)
Memphis are expected to win this game, but triumphing by more than 6.5 points off the back of its first loss of the season is not especially appealing. The Grizzlies have been excellent, going 6-1 against the spread, but Indiana has shown enough offensive potential to make this number interesting, particularly with its rotation getting some much-needed rest.
The Pacers were down to just six available players in Monday’s 108-104 loss to Atlanta. All six were backups, and four of them played more than 40 minutes. Jay Huff led the way with 22 points and eight rebounds, while Jarace Walker, Jalen Slawson and Braden Smith also shouldered enormous workloads. Indiana was competitive despite the circumstances, losing by only four.
The situation should be considerably better after the team had its starters out of action Monday and the league-wide night off Tuesday. Memphis is the superior team right now, but Indiana should have more available bodies and fresher legs than it did against Atlanta.
The Pacers can also score, especially Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard, and their ability to get to the free-throw line gives them a clear path to stay within reach.
Over 228.5 total points (-107)
Both teams have the offensive ingredients to push this total over the number. Memphis ranks third in offensive rating, while Indiana sits 19th, and both teams play at a top-11 pace. The Grizzlies have been especially impressive from beyond the arc, leading the NBA by shooting 42.9% from three-point range.
Indiana has its own advantages offensively. The Pacers get to the free-throw line at the 10th-highest rate in the league, and Memphis has struggled to keep opponents off the stripe, ranking 22nd in free-throw attempts allowed.
There are reasons to believe both defenses can limit certain types of scoring. Memphis and Indiana rank second and third, respectively, in limiting opponent fast-break points, and both are among the top 13 in preventing paint scoring.
However, neither team forces many turnovers, which should allow possessions to develop and give their offences opportunities to find quality looks. Indiana also allows opponents to shoot 37.4% from three, ranking 26th in the league.
Against a Memphis team that is converting at an elite rate, that is a particularly concerning weakness.
Cameron Boozer Over 9.5 Rebounds (-112)
Cameron Boozer has been a terrific all-around contributor in his rookie season, averaging 17.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists through Memphis’ first seven games.
The third overall pick is already playing 32 minutes per night and has established himself as a reliable presence on the defensive glass, collecting nine defensive rebounds per game.
This matchup gives him a strong opportunity to keep those numbers rolling. Indiana ranks as the worst offensive rebounding team in the league, meaning Memphis should have plenty of chances to finish defensive possessions cleanly. The Pacers are also missing Haliburton, whose absence has disrupted their offensive rhythm and could lead to more difficult shots and missed attempts.
Zach Edey, Isaiah Stewart and Cedric Coward are all interesting options in the rebounding market, but Boozer is the preferred play. His minutes, energy and willingness to compete for every loose ball give him a strong foundation for clearing 9.5.
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Pacers vs. Grizzlies odds
Indiana Pacers | +210 |
Memphis Grizzlies | -260 |
Spread | MEM Grizzlies -6.5 |
Total Points | O/U 228.5 |
Pacers vs. Grizzlies player props
Player points
Pascal Siakam (IND Pacers) | O/U 22.5 |
Ty Jerome (MEM Grizzlies) | O/U 21.5 |
Andrew Nembhard (IND Pacers) | O/U 17.5 |
Cameron Boozer (MEM Grizzlies) | O/U 17.5 |
Ivica Zubac (IND Pacers) | O/U 13.5 |
Cedric Coward (MEM Grizzlies) | O/U 13.5 |
Pacers vs. Grizzlies Team news
Indiana’s injury list has been the defining story of its recent losing streak. Haliburton is expected to miss six weeks with a hamstring injury, while center Ivica Zubac has remained sidelined with an ankle sprain.
Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Kelly Oubre and Obi Toppin were also unavailable or did not feature against Atlanta, while Pascal Siakam was rested. Those absences have stripped the Pacers of much of their regular rotation and scoring depth.
Memphis has enjoyed a much smoother start. With Ja Morant now in Portland, Ty Jerome has taken over the point guard role and is thriving, averaging 28.2 points and 5.7 assists while shooting better than 50% from the field and 42% from three.
Boozer has been another major contributor, while Isaiah Stewart, Cedric Coward and Jaylen Wells have helped create a deep and balanced rotation. The Grizzlies have plenty of ways to score, making them a difficult opponent for an Indiana team still trying to navigate its injury problems.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
