The NBA returns with 14 games on Wednesday night after a one-day hiatus for Election Day, and the matchup between the Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum stands out for several reasons. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
Memphis enters as a 7.5-point home favorite with an over/under of 229.5 points at DraftKings Sportsbook. Early betting action heavily favors the Grizzlies against the spread, with 99% of the handle and 80% of bets on Memphis, while the under 229.5 also attracts significant support.
The Pacers arrive in crisis after a 108-104 home loss to Atlanta on Monday in which only six players were available, representing about 7% of the team's payroll. All six logged 34-plus minutes and scored in double figures, including rookie Braden Smith who posted 19 points and 10 assists in 42 minutes. It was the first time in 22 years Indiana used so few players, and the earliest in a season since 1948. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton remains out alongside TJ McConnell, Ben Sheppard and Johnny Furphy. Pascal Siakam was rested on the second night of a back-to-back, while Kelly Oubre Jr. (bruised knee), Obi Toppin and starting center Ivica Zubac (out since Oct. 25) are listed as questionable.
Memphis, meanwhile, has been the league's biggest surprise at 6-1, far exceeding a preseason win total of 28.5. The turnaround has been fueled by No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer, the Rookie of the Year favorite at +200. The 19-year-old forward averages 17.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists, and recorded an 18-point, 12-rebound, 12-assist triple-double in Portland on Oct. 29, becoming the youngest frontcourt player in NBA history to do so. He is shooting just 36% from the field, suggesting further upside.
Another unexpected contributor is 29-year-old journeyman guard Ty Jerome, who is averaging a stunning 28.2 points on 50.4% shooting. Jerome scored a career-high 40 points in Monday's 135-134 overtime loss to New Orleans, the Grizzlies' first defeat of the season. His season-long over/under for points, rebounds and assists (PRA) is set at 32.5, tied for the second-highest on the slate with Siakam.
Memphis will be without reserve guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (6.4 PPG), while backup center Quentin Post (7.6 PPG) is questionable. Indiana has lost five consecutive games in Memphis, last winning there on April 11, 2021. Projection models favor a 121-118 Grizzlies victory. The Pacers have defended decently at 115.8 points allowed per game, and Zubac's potential return would bolster that end.
