Game Preview: Indiana Pacers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
The Indiana Pacers are set to host the Memphis Grizzlies in Indianapolis this Sunday at 5 p.m. EST, seeking to break a troubling five-game losing streak. Currently, the Pacers hold a disappointing 15-45 record, placing them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and struggling significantly at home with a mere 10-21 record. Additionally, Indiana has suffered in games that are decided by a margin of 10 points or more, with a dismal 4-26 record in such contests.
On the opposite side, the Grizzlies, with a record of 22-36, occupy the 11th position in the Western Conference. They have also faced challenges on the road, standing at 10-19. Memphis has shown some resilience, performing better when they commit fewer turnovers, with an 11-16 record in those situations; however, they average 14.7 turnovers per game.
Shooting Statistics
Looking at shooting statistics, the Pacers boast a field goal percentage of 45.0% this season, which is on the lower side compared to the 47.1% they allow their opponents. On the other hand, the Grizzlies have had a shooting rate of 46.1%, slightly below the 48.8% that their opponents achieve against them.
This matchup marks the second between the two teams this season, with the Grizzlies triumphing 128-103 in their previous meeting on October 26.
Key Players
Key players to watch include Pascal Siakam from the Pacers, who has been averaging 23.9 points along with 6.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists. Teammate Jarace Walker is also noteworthy with averages of 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over his last 10 games. For the Grizzlies, Cedric Coward contributes 13.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, while GG Jackson stands out with 16.9 points over the past ten games.
Recent Performance
In terms of performance over their last ten games, Indiana has encountered troubles, holding a record of 2-8. During this stretch, they have been averaging 115.3 points but also allowing their opponents to score an average of 124.7 points against them. The Grizzlies, while slightly better at 3-7, also display high scoring averages at 118.1 points but have been defensively vulnerable, permitting 122.9 points to their opponents.
Injuries
Injuries will play a significant role in both teams’ rotations. For the Pacers, notable absences include Aaron Nesmith, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Tyrese Haliburton, ruled out for the season with an Achilles injury. Other players facing uncertainties include Pascal Siakam (day-to-day with a wrist issue) and Ivica Zubac (ankle). Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have several key players on the injury list, including Ja Morant (out with an elbow injury) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (out for the season). Some Grizzlies players like Taj Gibson, Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, and Santi Aldama are marked as day-to-day, pending their coaches’ decisions.
Conclusion
As both teams prepare for this crucial game, fans will be eager to see if Indiana can halt their losing streak or if Memphis can build on their previous victory over the Pacers.
