NBA game of the week: Grizzlies vs. Pacers

Finally, the NBA is back. After an All-Star break that felt like ages, basketball returns. On Thursday, the Grizzlies are taking the trip to Indiana to face off against the Pacers in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Due to the break, these teams are mostly healthy to kick off the run to the playoffs, but with that said Grizzlies star Point Guard Ja Morant will be a game-time decision for Taylor Jenkins tomorrow night.

The Grizzlies come out of the break soaring, with an impressive 36-18 record holding the second seed in the Western Conference, eight games back from the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder, in a tight race to the playoffs with the 36-19 Denver Nuggets and the 34-21 Houston Rockets.

The Pacers are also in the midst of a playoff run, currently sitting as the 4th seed in the East with a record of 30-23. They, however find themselves in a pack with the Bucks, Pistons and, to a lesser extent, the Orlando Magic which could risk them becoming a play-in team if at any point in the last 29 games they let up on the gas pedal.

The matchups to watch for this out-of-conference faceoff are Pascal Siakam against Jaren Jackson Jr and Ja Morant against Tyrese Haliburton, lets start with the big men.

Pascal Siakam, going into the break, was on a hot streak, averaging 23.1 points over his last ten games but he will have his work cut out for him against former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jackson Jr has done a fantastic job the season elevating his offensive game this season as he has been relied on more to lead this young Grizzlies team full of depth.

Ja Morant, who, as mentioned, may not play against the Pacers, but has played impressively in the 32 games he has appeared in this season. Providing a balanced 20.7 points with seven assists and four rebounds.

This stat line has been better than his adversary, Tyrese Haliburton has had a bit of a disappointing year in Indiana after a breakout 2023-24 season, his stats have gone from 20 points with about 11 assists to about 18 points with 8.5 assists, which isn’t an egregious regression but it is a disappointing one that also comes with a dip in efficiency for Haliburton.

But as the Pacers have Haliburton taking a step back he is supported by five teammates scoring in the double digits that flourish due to his sensational passing ability.

This matchup will be a battle of depth as both the Pacers and Grizzlies have deep benches that get plenty of minutes and provide a significant amount to both teams’ overall success both in this game and moving forward as both teams attempt to solidify their playoff spots and look ahead to the NBA Playoffs.

Massimo Manfra is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email mgm6116@psu.edu.