Indiana Pacers Face Off Against Memphis Grizzlies in Sunday Afternoon Clash

The Indiana Pacers are set to take on the Memphis Grizzlies in an interconference matchup on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at the FedExForum. The Pacers, currently holding a 9-11 record and the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, are looking to bounce back from a significant 130-106 home loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday. This defeat ended their three-game winning streak and highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, as they allowed the Pistons to shoot over 57% from the field and 18 of 38 from the 3-point line.

The Memphis Grizzlies, with a 13-7 record and a five-game winning streak, are in strong form. Their last victory was a 120-109 home win over the New Orleans Pelicans, where Ja Morant led the team with 27 points and seven assists, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 23 points, and Santi Aldama contributed 20 points off the bench. The Grizzlies have been dominant at home, winning each of their last six home games against teams with losing records.

The injury reports for both teams show significant absences. The Pacers are without Isaiah Jackson, Aaron Nesmith, Ben Sheppard, and James Wiseman, while Andrew Nembhard is listed as questionable due to a knee injury. For the Grizzlies, Zach Edey, GG Jackson, and Vince Williams Jr. are out due to various injuries.

Betting odds favor the Grizzlies, with a -7.5 point spread and an over/under of 237 points. The Grizzlies’ home advantage and current form suggest they are likely to extend their winning streak. Additionally, the Pacers’ recent road performance, having lost five straight away games, does not bode well for their chances.

The game is expected to be high-scoring, given the pace and turnover rates of both teams. The Pacers and Grizzlies have seen the over post frequently in their recent games, with the Pacers averaging 112.5 points and the Grizzlies averaging 122.3 points per game in their last 10 contests.