The Grizzlies are on their way to Indiana to take on the Pacers. This should be a solid game between two young teams looking to boost their standings as we begin our sprint to the playoffs. With both teams looking to start their post-All-Star break run off on a high note, expect to see some explosive basketball and fresh legs.
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Johnny Davis Out
Cam Spencer Out
If there is one man to watch in this game, it will be Tyrese Haliburton. Not because he’s gone on some historic run or anything, but to see if he can find his mojo. Something is off about the guy. He’s lost something. Confidence? Health? Conditioning? It could be anything. Whatever it is though, he’ll need to figure it out to have a shot at knocking off the Grizzlies tonight. His scoring will be key in what will likely be a high octane game.
Even without Haliburton at his peak of performance this team has been cooking. Pascal Siakam has been spectacular, and has been the do it all guy for the roster. With Siakam and Turner running this frontcourt things have been smoothing out for the Pacers. However, the Grizzlies are a different animal compared to most teams.
The Griz have been firing on all cylinders with Jaren Jackson Jr playing some of the best basketball of his life. His scoring has come through, and he’s having a career year in efficiency. That’s not to say the former defensive player of the year has given up on defense, he’s still one of the most dangerous defenders in the league. This team has been running through Jackson, and they’ve managed to claw their way to second in the Western Conference.
In terms of the matchup, the Grizzlies have the edge. With the size download pairing up Zach Edey and Jackson, they should be it challenging to attack the paint. Which was the case last time these two teams played. The Grizzlies managed to hold Siakam to just 17 points. The real challenge for the Grizzlies will be defending the Obi Toppin and Mathurin. Both are great downhill finishers, with the ability to break past their man. They’ll be key are keep pressure downlow, and opening up the perimeter for shooters.
However, this game feels like it will be decided by benches. With the last meeting between these two teams having a combined 106 points scored off the bench.
Either way, this will be a street fight. These teams share an interesting amount of parody. With top level guards, amazing PFs, and young players filling in the gaps. It will be a good show, but I’m leaning towards Memphis tonight. Considering the instability in Haliburton’s play, the experience of Memphis’ bench, and Jackson’s effect on Siakam, they’re money line looks solid.
Money line: MEM (-142) / IND (+120)
Total Points: 251
Spread: -2.5 MEM (-108) / +2.5 IND (-112)
Mentioned above, this feels like Memphis will have the advantage here. Considering they won the last matchup by a fair amount, we could be in for a repeat.
This line is kind of insane. Yes, the last matchup has a massive amount of scoring in it. However, it had 106 points of bench points, and 53 free throw attempts. Odds are the benches won't be as hot nor will the refs be sending players to the line as much.
This is the line I feel the least confident about. The 2.5 point line just feels like a trap here. In a close game that can easily get eaten away in a free throw game. I’d avoid this line tonight, I don’t think there is much value here.
Morant’s offense has taken a step back this season. Averaging 20 points he’s relinquished some of the offensive burden to Jackson. However, tonight feels like a Ja night. Coming back rested, playing against a fairly weak defensive backcourt, he could look good. If his threes are falling he’ll likely be able to hit this!
Jackson may struggle a bit with the frontcourt of Indiana, especially in the rebounding department. He’s already not a great rebounder considering he’s 7-foot, but that will likely be the stat the holds him back on this line. The point are a little worrying, but I think the guards will take the large scoring role in tonight’s game.
Even with Haliburton struggling to score, he can still pass the ball. He’s been solid this year at picking up assist, and even if the scoring isn’t anything impressive 10 points should be within reach. At +160 odds, this is just a fun line for flavor if you’re looking for something a little riskier.
This feels like a Morant game. If Morant ups his usage time tonight, it could be a challenge for Bane to hit this assist total. Even with him averaging 5.2 a game, I think he’ll be used more as a catch and shoot player tonight.