Memphis Grizzlies vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions December 1st 2024

The Memphis Grizzlies will host the Indiana Pacers in a non-conference matchup at 3:30 ET. Memphis is currently favored by 7.5 points and has won five straight games.

The Pacers are 9-11 and are 8th in the Eastern Conference. The Grizzlies are 13-7 and are 3rd in the Western Conference. The over/under line for this game is 242.5.

Pacers vs. Grizzlies Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Indiana Pacers at Memphis Grizzlies
• Where: Memphis at FedExForum
• Date: Sunday, December 1st
• Betting Odds MEM -7.5, IND +248 | MEM -301 O/U 242.5

The Pacers Can Win If…

The Pacers dropped to 9-11 on the season after a 130-106 home loss to the Pistons on Friday, November 29th. Indiana, favored by 4.5 points, not only lost but failed to cover the spread. The combined score of 236 points went over the pre-game total of 229.

Detroit’s 10-0 run early on set the tone, and the Pistons led 33-24 after the 1st quarter. Indiana couldn’t close the gap, as they were outscored 30-29 in the 2nd quarter and 29-20 in the 3rd. Heading into the 4th quarter down 92-73, the Pacers were unable to mount a comeback, with the Pistons outscoring them 38-33 in the final period.

In the Pacers’ 130-106 loss to the Pistons, Pascal Siakam led the way with 21 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 47.4% from the field. Tyrese Haliburton added 19 points, hitting 3 threes at 37.5%, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 16 points, connecting on 3 threes at a 60% clip.

As a team, the Pacers made 12 threes, shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc. Their overall field goal percentage was 48.2%, and they struggled to score, finishing with just 106 points in the game.

The Pacers struggled defensively on Friday, giving up 130 points to the Pistons. Indiana allowed 33 points in the 1st quarter and 38 in the 4th, with Detroit shooting 57% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Pistons hit 18 threes at a 47% clip. Indiana sent Detroit to the line 20 times, where they made 16 free throws. The Pacers finished with 25 defensive rebounds, 9 steals, and 4 blocks.

• Through their last ten road games, Indiana has an ATS record of just 3-7. However, their overall record was 2-8 while averaging 110 points per game.
• Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, Indiana has an ATS mark of 6-4 while going 3-7 straight up.
• Over their last five games, the Pacers have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 0-4-1 vs. the spread.

The Grizzlies Can Win If…

The Grizzlies improved to 13-7 on the season with a 120-109 win over the Pelicans on Friday. Playing at home, Memphis was favored by 12 points but fell just short of covering the spread. The total points for the game came in at 229, slightly under the pre-game line of 232.

Memphis took control early, outscoring New Orleans 35-28 in the 2nd quarter. They entered the 4th quarter with a 92-82 lead and edged the Pelicans 28-27 in the final period to close out the win.

Ja Morant led the Grizzlies to a win over the Pelicans with 27 points and 7 assists, shooting 55.6% from the field. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 23 points, and Santi Aldama contributed 20 points, hitting 88.9% of his shots and going 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.

Memphis shot 49% from the field, but struggled from three-point range, making 12 threes at a 29.3% clip. Morant and Jackson both scored 11 points in the 4th quarter, while Aldama added 10 of his 20 points in the 2nd quarter.

Defensively, the Grizzlies were consistent, allowing 28 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters, 26 in the 3rd, and 27 in the 4th, giving up 109 points in their win over the Pelicans. Memphis held New Orleans to 41% shooting from the field.

The Grizzlies were solid in defending the three, with the Pelicans hitting just 9 threes at a 31% clip. Memphis also recorded 9 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

• Memphis has a 2-3 record in their last five home games. In this stretch, they averaged 124 points per game while allowing 115. The team also performed well vs the spread at 4-1.
• Through their last five games as the favorite, the Grizzlies have an ATS record of 3-2 and a straight up mark of 4-1.
• In their last five games, the Grizzlies have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Grizzlies to secure the win, with an expected final score of 153-117. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -7.5.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 242.5, and our model predicts the Pacers and Grizzlies to score a combined 270 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Memphis Grizzlies’ Winning Formula: Teamwork and Ball Movement

The Memphis Grizzlies (10-6) are riding high on a five-game winning streak, thanks to their unselfish style of play and league-leading ball movement. On Sunday, they’ll look to extend their run of success against the visiting Indiana Pacers (6-10) at FedExForum.

Memphis currently leads the NBA in assists per game, averaging 30.4, which has been a key factor in their recent dominance. In Friday’s 120-109 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Grizzlies tallied an impressive 36 assists on 47 made field goals, underscoring their commitment to a team-first approach.

“The ball movement was great,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said after the victory. “When everyone touches the ball and feels involved, that’s when we’re at our most dangerous.”

Grizzlies’ Depth Fuels Success

Despite injuries to key players this season, including Ja Morant’s recent absence due to a bruised knee, the Grizzlies have leaned on their depth and ball-sharing to thrive. Morant returned Friday, contributing seven assists to lead the team, while Marcus Smart added six off the bench.

Morant, despite playing in just 10 games this season, leads Memphis with 9.1 assists per game. Scotty Pippen Jr. (5.7 APG) and Marcus Smart (4.1 APG) also have played critical roles in keeping the offense flowing.

Bench contributions, such as Smart’s facilitating and defensive tenacity, have been invaluable. Memphis continues to excel in spreading the floor and finding open looks for all players, making them a formidable challenge for opponents.

Pacers Seeking Stability Amid Inconsistency

The Indiana Pacers enter Sunday’s matchup after a 130-106 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday, a game that eliminated them from NBA Cup knockout contention. The Pacers have been plagued by inconsistency, but they had won three straight games prior to their defeat.

Pascal Siakam (19.9 PPG) and Tyrese Haliburton (16.6 PPG) lead Indiana’s scoring attack, while Bennedict Mathurin has thrived in a starting role, averaging 17.7 points per game this season.

Second-year forward Jarace Walker has shown flashes of potential, notching 10 points and five steals off the bench Friday. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle sees opportunities for growth among his younger players.

“This is a time for our young guys to step up and gain valuable experience,” Carlisle said. “Walker, Mathurin, and others are learning how to handle responsibility at this level.”

Key Matchup: Grizzlies’ Depth vs. Pacers’ Young Core

Sunday’s game will be a clash of Memphis’ well-oiled, veteran-led machine against Indiana’s emerging young talent.

Grizzlies’ Keys to Victory:

• Ball Movement: Memphis’ unselfish style must continue to create open looks, keeping Indiana’s defense off balance.
• Defensive Pressure: Limiting opportunities for Siakam and Mathurin will force Indiana’s role players to step up.

Pacers’ Keys to Victory:

• Efficient Scoring: Indiana will need big performances from Siakam and Haliburton to challenge Memphis’ balanced offense.
• Turnovers: The Pacers must protect the ball and capitalize on Memphis’ mistakes to stay competitive.

What’s at Stake?

For Memphis, Sunday’s game offers an opportunity to continue their ascent in the Western Conference standings and solidify their team-first identity. Meanwhile, Indiana aims to rebound from a tough loss and show signs of improvement as they develop their young core.

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Prediction

The Grizzlies’ depth, cohesion, and home-court advantage give them the edge in this matchup. While the Pacers have promise, Memphis’ well-rounded attack and defensive consistency should help them secure their sixth consecutive win.