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Pacers Resume Season Against Physical Grizzlies
The Indiana Pacers (31-25) will have no time to ease back into action after the NBA All-Star break, as they face a tough challenge against the Memphis Grizzlies (26-28) on Thursday night in Indianapolis.
- Indiana is coming off a 134-130 overtime win against Washington in its final game before the break.
- Memphis lost to the Clippers 128-114, as injuries and inconsistency continue to plague their season.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. represented Memphis at the All-Star Game, while Pascal Siakam was Indiana’s lone selection.
With both teams battling for playoff positioning, this game carries extra weight.
Pacers Looking to Build Momentum
Indiana needed the All-Star break after an up-and-down stretch that saw them go 2-3 over their past five games.
What to Watch for:
| Key Player | Stats (Season) | Last Game |
|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Haliburton | 21.4 PPG, 11.7 APG | 11 PTS, 17 AST vs. Wizards |
| Pascal Siakam | 22.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG | 24 PTS, 8 REB vs. Wizards |
| Obi Toppin | 10.8 PPG | 31 PTS (Season-High) vs. Wizards |
| Myles Turner (Questionable) | 16.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG | Missed last two games |
Haliburton acknowledged that the team was tired heading into the break, and the time off has hopefully refreshed the Pacers for the final 29 games of the season.
“Every first practice after All-Star break is typically just a lot of running,” Haliburton said. “Hopefully, the break was refreshing for everybody.”
Turner, who missed the last two games with a neck strain, is expected to return. His presence in the paint will be crucial against Memphis’ aggressive style of play.
Memphis Needs Morant Healthy for Playoff Push
The Grizzlies are clinging to the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, but Ja Morant’s availability remains in question.
- Morant has missed multiple games due to right knee soreness and is listed as day-to-day.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (23.0 PPG) has stepped up offensively, but Memphis needs more consistency from its role players.
Grizzlies Key Players:
| Key Player | Stats (Season) | Last Game |
|---|---|---|
| Ja Morant (Questionable) | 25.2 PPG, 8.1 APG | DNP vs. Clippers |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | 23.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG | 30 PTS vs. Clippers |
| Desmond Bane | 19.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG | 22 PTS vs. Clippers |
Despite Morant’s absence, Jackson has kept Memphis competitive with his two-way play, but he knows the team needs to improve quickly to hold on to a play-in spot.
“My mind is definitely in Memphis as soon as the buzzer went off (at the All-Star Game),” Jackson said. “I’m just ready to get back to the team, honestly.”
Smart Bets, Big Wins!
NBA Predictions Inside!
Matchup to Watch: Tyrese Haliburton vs. Memphis’ Backcourt
- If Ja Morant plays, expect an electric showdown between two elite playmakers.
- If Morant is out, Tyrese Haliburton should control the pace and exploit Memphis’ defense.
- Indiana’s fast-paced offense ranks among the best in the league, but Memphis thrives on defensive pressure and rebounding.
Prediction: Pacers Hold Home Court in a Close Battle
If Morant plays, this game could come down to the wire. But if he remains sidelined, Indiana’s offensive depth should be too much for the Grizzlies to handle.
