The NBA returns Wednesday with 14 games after a one-night hiatus for Election Day, and the Indiana Pacers' visit to the Memphis Grizzlies stands out as a compelling betting matchup.
Memphis opens as a 7.5-point home favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook with an over/under of 229.5 points. Tip-off at FedExForum is set for 8 p.m. ET. Early betting shows 99% of the handle and 80% of bets on the Grizzlies against the spread, with similar support for the under.
Indiana arrives in crisis after a 108-104 home loss to Atlanta on Monday in which only six players were available — representing about 7% of the team's payroll. All six logged 34-plus minutes and scored in double figures, including rookie Braden Smith's 19-point, 10-assist double-double. It marked the first time in 22 years the Pacers used so few players this early in a season. Star guard Tyrese Haliburton remains out alongside TJ McConnell, Ben Sheppard and Johnny Furphy, while Kelly Oubre Jr., Obi Toppin and starting center Ivica Zubac are questionable.
Memphis, meanwhile, has been the Western Conference's biggest surprise at 6-1. The Grizzlies were the last team in the West to lose despite a preseason win total of just 28.5. Rookie Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick, leads the Rookie of the Year race at +200, averaging 17.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists. He recorded an 18-point, 12-rebound, 12-assist triple-double in Portland on Oct. 29. Veteran guard Ty Jerome has erupted for 28.2 points per game on 50.4% shooting. Memphis lists Scotty Pippen Jr. out and Quentin Post questionable.
The Pacers have lost five straight in Memphis, last winning there on April 11, 2021. Projection models favor a 121-118 Grizzlies victory. Indiana's defense allows 115.8 points per game, and Zubac's potential return would bolster the interior.
