What to expect going into the Pacers vs. Grizzlies

The Indiana Pacers face the Memphis Grizzlies for the final time this season and will be looking to sweep the season series. Here’s what to watch for.

The Match-Up

The Pacers already won the first game between the two teams last Monday in Indianapolis. The 126 point mark is the highest Indiana has hit in a game this season. The 126-114 final score also doesn’t quite show how one sided the game truly was. The Pacers led by as much as 29 in the fourth quarter with Memphis’ final lead coming halfway through the first period.

T.J. Warren led the team in scoring with 26 while Domantas Sabonis notched one is 14 double-doubles ending with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Additionally, all 12 guys that suited up on the night were able to get some action due to big lead.

The Grizzlies are one of the youngest teams in the league this season and have struggled in the tough Western Conference. Before Sunday’s win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis had lost six in a row. They are currently 26th and 23rd in offense and defensive rating respectively, but do like to get out and run. Trying to speed up the Pacers is likely their best chance at getting a win tonight.

The Pacers on the other hand had their five game winning streak broken by the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. In the 119-116 contest, the Pacers struggled against the Sixers size. Joel Embiid scored 32 points and went 15-15 from the free throw line. Embiid forced Sabonis and Myles Turner to commit a combined 11 fouls on the night with Sabonis fouling out in the final two minutes. Luckily for the Pacers, the Grizzlies don’t have anyone even near the talent level of the Cameroonian center.