Memphis Grizzlies start road trip in Indiana: Preview
By Baylor Moss
The Memphis Grizzlies are starting a four-game Eastern Conference road trip with a meeting with the Pacers in Indiana.
The Memphis Grizzlies come into Wednesday’s game winning six out of their last ten. The Pacers have won four out of their last five games. Indiana hopes to sweep a three-game homestead when they host the Grizzlies.
Victor Oladipo has led the Pacers, averaging 24.2 points and 4.1 assists per game on the year. If the Grizzlies want to have any chance of winning, they’ll have to slow him down. Tyreke Evans has led the Grizzlies in scoring (19.5 points) and assists (5.0).
On Monday, the Pacers had a strong effort from Oladipo and Myles Turner. Oladipo had 25 points, while Turner added 22 to aid their win against Charlotte, 105-96. Monday was Turner’s second game since returning from an elbow injury, having missed the past six games.
Tyreke Evans led the Grizzlies to victory against Phoenix on Monday scoring 25 points. Selden also added 17 point to help the Grizzlies’ cause.
Lately, Dillon Brooks has added a spark to the Grizzlies since the calendar year flipped to 2018.
However, Brooks and basically the rest of the Grizzlies roster are questionable, or out versus the Pacers on Wednesday. JaMychael Green is doubtful, while Conley, Parsons, and Ennis remain out.
The Grizzlies will need strong play from their young talent, if they want to give the Pacers a run for their money. More importantly, consistency has plagued this team all year. They’ll need to be consistent on the defensive end to have any shot at beating Indiana.
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Prediction
The Pacers will probably win, because they are playing well and are at home. Oladipo will be too much for the Grizzlies to handle on the perimeter. Selden, Brooks or Harrison won’t provide enough defense to slow him down.
The Grizzlies have a tendency to get torched from 3-point range, while the Pacers are one of the better long-range-shooting teams.
The Pacers will sweep their three-game homestead and beat the Grizzlies, 110-98.