Grizzlies vs. Pacers NBA Picks: Should You Bet Against Ja Morant at Indiana? (Archive)
Two teams having opposite levels of success meet in Indianapolis tonight. The Memphis Grizzlies have moved their way up the standings into being a true NBA title contender. The Indiana Pacers have blown things up and are looking to rebuild their franchise. When these two teams take the court, which team will be the winning NBA pick?
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Indiana Pacers
Tuesday, March 15, 2022 – 07:00 PM EDT at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Memphis Grizzlies
At 47-22, the Memphis Grizzlies are currently in second place in the Western Conference, a half-game ahead of the Golden State Warriors. The Grizzlies would like to hold on to that spot to ensure that they have a home-court advantage throughout at least two rounds in the playoffs. To do so they will definitely need to win games such as tonight's contest against the lowly Indiana Pacers.
The Memphis Grizzlies had an amazing stretch where they went 22-4 over the course of 26 games. They went 4-4 afterward. Now they are trying to begin another epic streak. They are on their way as they are winners of their last three.
The Grizzlies' most recent game was a 125-118 win in Oklahoma City over the Thunder. The Grizzlies put forth a balanced effort in the game. Seven players scored in double figures. This is emblematic of the Grizzlies' team-oriented approach to success this season.
The Grizzlies have an MVP-level player in Ja Morant, and they support him well. Morant is also not a selfish player. He is eager to get his teammates involved in the offense, providing them good looks whenever he has the opportunity.
The Grizzlies welcomed Dillon Brooks back into their lineup in Oklahoma City. Brooks had previously missed 27 games for the Grizzlies. Brooks is an excellent two-way player, able to create his own shot on offense. He is also a strong defender when the Grizzlies are on defense. Brooks’ veteran leadership will be necessary for the team if they are going to win the Western Conference.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers decided to go in a different direction after a disappointing season. The Pacers shipped two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings for Tyrese Haliburton. This signals to the fans and to the league that the Pacers have decided to rebuild their franchise. And as is the case with most rebuilding franchises, the results have also indicated the same.
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The Pacers are 23-46 on the year. They are an unbelievably bad 2-13 against opponents from their own division. They are 15-19 this year at home. The Pacers are 4-6 over their last 10 and their point differential is -2.3 this season.
The Pacers are prioritizing development, and young players such as Tyrese Haliburton and Jalen Smith are the beneficiaries of this decision. Haliburton is averaging 19.2 points per game in 38 minutes played.
Smith could not get off the bench on the Phoenix Suns but is averaging 26 minutes per game in 11 games for the Pacers. Smith is averaging 13 points and 7 rebounds per game, showing the talent and potential that led him to be the number 11 pick in last year's draft, one pick ahead of his new teammate Haliburton.
Key Matchup
Ja Morant vs. Tyrese Haliburton
Tyrese Haliburton is an excellent offensive player, but he is also quite good at defense as well. While Haliburton excels at off-ball defense, his on-ball defense isn't bad either. He will face an enormous test tonight, however, in Ja Morant. Ja Morant has fulfilled his potential and is now a top-five player in the league.
Even though Ja Morant is a guard, he averages the most points in the paint of any player in the NBA. For a point guard to do that is an amazing feat. If Haliburton is able to slow down Morant, the Pacers will have a good chance to cover the NBA odds. If Ja Morant has a big night, the Memphis Grizzlies could run away with this game.
Best Bet
It is hard to go against the Grizzlies right now. It is also hard to back the Pacers. Haliburton doesn't have the level of on-ball defensive skills to slow down a player the caliber of Morant. The Grizzlies are coming together as a team, the Pacers are limping towards the finish line.
The Grizzlies are the better team on both ends of the floor. Unlike other playoff teams, the Grizzlies are new to being a top team and still take the regular season seriously. Today's play of the day is the Memphis Grizzlies -7.
NBA Pick: Memphis Grizzlies -7 (-110) with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.