The NBA returns with 14 games on Wednesday night after a historic Election Night pause. Among the matchups, the Indiana Pacers visit the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum with tip-off set for 8 p.m. ET. Memphis enters as a 7.5-point home favorite with an over/under of 229.5 points, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Early betting action heavily favors the Grizzlies, with 99% of the handle and 80% of bets on Memphis against the spread, along with similar leanings on the under.
Indiana arrives on a five-game losing streak, most recently a 108-104 home loss to Atlanta on Monday. That game saw the Pacers field only six available players — representing about 93% of their payroll sidelined — marking the first time in 22 years the franchise used so few players. All six logged 34-plus minutes and reached double figures, with rookie guard Braden Smith posting a double-double of 19 points and 10 assists in 42 minutes.
For Wednesday, superstar Tyrese Haliburton and guards TJ McConnell, Ben Sheppard, and Johnny Furphy are ruled out. However, forwards Kelly Oubre Jr. and Obi Toppin, along with starting center Ivica Zubac, are listed as questionable after sitting Monday. Zubac has been limited to three games and has not played since Oct. 25.
Memphis, meanwhile, has been the league's biggest surprise at 6-1, exceeding a preseason win total of just 28.5. The Grizzlies were the last team to lose this season, falling 135-134 in overtime to New Orleans on Monday. Rookie Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick, has impressed with averages of 17.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, including an 18-point, 12-rebound, 12-assist triple-double on Oct. 29. Veteran guard Ty Jerome has also emerged, averaging a stunning 28.2 points on 50.4% shooting.
Memphis lists reserve guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (6.4 PPG) as out and backup center Quentin Post (7.6 PPG) as questionable. The Pacers have lost five straight games in Memphis, with their last victory there on April 11, 2021. A predictive model projects a 121-118 Grizzlies win, while Indiana's defense allows 115.8 points per game.
