Indiana Pacers 2018-2019 Preseason Primer

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 30: Domantas Sabonis #11 and Kyle O'Quinn #10 of the Indiana Pacers pose for a photo during fan jam at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on September 30, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 30: Domantas Sabonis #11 and Kyle O'Quinn #10 of the Indiana Pacers pose for a photo during fan jam at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on September 30, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Tyreke Evans Indiana Pacers Memphis Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, TN – NOVEMBER 15: Tyreke Evans #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers on November 15, 2017, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

How do the Indiana Pacers match up with the Memphis Grizzlies?

This is more than a preseason game. These two teams square off on opening night, so this game has a scouting element to it.

This is less important than most factors in the preseason, but it isn’t a non-factor. The Pacers get to figure out what the Grizzlies gameplan is just 11 days before the teams face off in a game that matters.

The Grizz already kicked off their preseason with a 131-115 loss to the Houston Rockets. The biggest eye-popper: Mike Conley had 16 points in 21 minutes. He didn’t play against Indiana last season, so seeing how he and Darren Collison matchup will be fascinating.

It will also be the Pacers first look at rookie phenom Jaren Jackson Jr. He played 19 minutes in the Grizzlies first preseason game and scored 15 points. he looks like a weapon, so getting an early look at his skill set will be useful for the Indiana Pacers.

Tyreke Evans and Omari Johnson will get to play against their former teammates, too. They could offer some insight on JB Bickerstaff’s scheme he runs in Memphis. There are quite a few layers to this preseason game that could have a tangible impact on a regular season showdown. Keep an eye on it.