An inter-conference matchup sees both Indiana and Memphis trying to solidify their playoff chances. Over in the East, the Pacers sit as the seventh seed and are only one game away from the last place. They have lost three of their last four games and are coming off of a tough one-point loss to Minnesota. On the other side, the Grizzlies are also the seventh seed but are a more comfortable four games away from the last place. Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM Eastern time on Wednesday night and the game can be seen on FSN Indiana and FSN Southeast.
Pacers (37-37, 3rd Central)
Indiana hasn't been trending in the right direction, losing four of their last six games. They suffered tough road losses in Toronto and Boston, and their three-game homestand ended with losses to the Nuggets and Timberwolves -- games potential playoff teams need to win. The Pacers have been losing the rebounding battle in the past five games (opponents are +1.2 in the stretch).
Shooting guard Glenn Robinson III (6.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg) has missed the last three games due to a calf injury and won't return until at least next week. Small forward CJ Miles (10.6 ppg) exploded for 17 points last time out against the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies (40-34, 3rd Southwest)
Memphis has been reeling with a winless four-game road trip.
While they had to face teams like San Antonio and Dallas, it didn't help that their offense couldn't get past 94 points in any of those games. The Grizzlies have been outscored by five points on average in their last five games.
To make matters tougher, power forward JaMychal Green (9.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg) will likely not play in the game due to a shoulder injury.
Center Marc Gasol (19.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg) will be out for a third straight game due to his left foot strain. Without him for an extended period, making the playoffs could get a little tight.
Memphis won five consecutive games over Indiana until the Pacers beat them at home 102-92 back on February 24th. Four points favor the Grizzlies at home, and the total O/U is set at 196 points. The Pacers are 0-5 against the spread in their last five road games.
