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Game Preview: Pacers at Grizzlies

Matchup

The Pacers saw their five-game win streak come to an end on Saturday in Philadelphia. Now Indiana (12-7) will look to start a new win streak on Monday night in Memphis against Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Grizzlies (6-13).

The Pacers have had two straight games that came down to the wire. The Blue & Gold were able to make key plays down the stretch in Friday's overtime victory over Atlanta at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, but that wasn't the case in their 119-116 loss in Philadelphia on the second night of a back-to-back.

[T]he rebuilding Grizzlies have a promising young core but are still a couple years away from serious playoff contention.

Rookie point guard Ja Morant has led Memphis' offensive attack, averaging 18.6 points and 6.4 assists over his first 17 games while establishing himself as the early frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. But Morant is now sidelined with back soreness and will not play on Monday.

With Morant out, the Pacers will turn their focus to the Grizzlies' frontcourt duo of Jackson and Jonas Valanciunas. Indiana native Jackson is averaging 14.9 points and shooting 39.8 percent from 3-point range, while Valanciunas is third on the Grizzlies in scoring (13.6 points per game) and first in rebounding (9.8 boards per contest).

Last Meeting

November 25, 2019: T.J Warren scored 26 points, Jeremy Lamb added 19, and Domantas Sabonis notched his 11th double-double of the season (13 points, 13 boards) as Indiana earned a 126-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

"I think we were feeding off each other on the court and we were also feeding off the bench," Lamb said. "The bench was very loud and our crowd was amazing."

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 28 points, going 10-for-15 from the field and 6-for-8 from 3-point range. Ja Morant added 19 points and 10 assists.

Whole Truth wrote:Hey Jam , what was Jonas illness? Was it, I'm playing to well itis off of back to back 20 & 15 games.

The good, Jaren put up 31pts on 19 shots
The bad, Jaren only had 4 rebounds & was outrebounded by everyone in the starting unit, plus Melton, who had 9. Memphis just have to many weak links costing them possessions on both ends.

Marko is racking up his frequent flier miles, seems as though he can't make a move without traveling.(3/3/2 in 20 mins) 1-5

Allen needs a new role, maybe water boy. Once Dillon fouled out, the game was over. - (6/2/3 in 30mins) 2-6

Tyus play has been disappointing, both Delon & Melton were/are better options. - (2/3/6 in 36 mins) 1-6 & he's not as good as Melton defensively.

The 3 tank commanders combined for 11pts on 4-14 shooting.

Speaking of Melton. He put together another nice game. (16/9/4 on 6-10 shooting). Looks like he could consistently flirt with TD's while playing solid defense. The best part is that he doesn't force his game & is quick to move the ball if he doesn't have anything. His game is clean & simple. I'd like to see him paired with Jonas.