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The NBA returns to action on Wednesday night with a 14-game slate following a break for Election Day. Among the matchups, the Memphis Grizzlies host the Indiana Pacers at FedExForum, with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Betting Odds and Trends
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Grizzlies enter the contest as 7.5-point home favorites, with the Over/Under set at 229.5 points. As of the latest reporting, the Grizzlies are attracting significant betting interest, accounting for 99% of the handle and 80% of the total bets placed against the spread. Similar trends are appearing for the Under.
For those looking at a same-game parlay, a combination featuring the Memphis money line, a Grizzlies alternate Under of 131.5, and Cameron Boozer recording 15 or more points is currently priced at +136 at DraftKings.
Indiana Pacers Roster Challenges
The Pacers are currently on a five-game losing streak, most recently falling 108-104 to Atlanta. In that game, Indiana faced significant personnel shortages, utilizing only six players. According to NBA.com, this marked the first time in 22 years the franchise had used such a limited rotation. While other teams have occasionally used six players in recent years, those instances typically occurred during the end of the season when teams were tanking or resting players for the playoffs.
Indiana continues to manage a lengthy injury report. Tyrese Haliburton, TJ McConnell, Ben Sheppard, and Johnny Furphy are confirmed out for Wednesday’s game. Additionally, Kelly Oubre Jr., Obi Toppin, and Ivica Zubac are listed as questionable. Zubac has been limited to three games this season and has not played since October 25.
Memphis Grizzlies Performance
The Grizzlies have emerged as a surprise early-season contender, holding a 6-1 record and sitting near the top of the Western Conference. This performance is notable given that their preseason win total was set at 28.5, one of the lowest in the league.
A central figure in Memphis’s success is rookie Cameron Boozer. The 19-year-old is currently the +200 favorite for NBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 17.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. On October 29, he became the youngest front-court player in league history to record a triple-double.
The Grizzlies are also seeing high-level production from guard Ty Jerome, who is averaging 28.2 points per game. Despite a recent overtime loss to New Orleans, the team remains productive offensively. For Wednesday’s game, Memphis lists reserve guard Scotty Pippen Jr. as out, while backup center Quentin Post is questionable.
The Pacers have struggled historically in this venue, having lost five consecutive games in Memphis. Their last victory at FedExForum occurred on April 11, 2021.
