The Indiana Pacers, 6.5-point favorites, welcome the Memphis Grizzlies to Bankers Life Fieldhouse to get their seasons underway. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 207 points and it gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Indiana Pacers ATS Odds
Indiana went to the playoffs last season after a 48-34 regular season campaign that earned them the five seed in the Eastern Conference. They fell in the First Round to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games. Memphis, meanwhile, was unable make the playoffs following a 22-60 regular season campaign.
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the league’s slowest-paced teams clash. Indiana ranked 27th in possessions per game (97.6) and Memphis was 29th (97.0) last season. Ball protection could be troublesome for the Grizzlies. They ranked 28th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 14.9 percent), while the Pacers forced the second-most turnovers in the league (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.1 percent).
The Grizzlies were 22-60 straight up (SU) and 43-45 against the spread (ATS) last season. Vegas was fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Memphis games, with 45 overs compared to 43 unders.
The Pacers, on the other hand, were 48-34 SU and 41-43-2 ATS last season. Just over half of Indiana’s games also finished over the O/U total.
The Pacers dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent matchup, Indiana won 105-101. One of Indiana’s biggest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They had 31 free throw attempts, while Memphis had just 15.
Memphis Grizzlies at Indiana Pacers Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Pacers rank 23rd in assists per game (22.1) while the Grizzlies rank 26th (21.5).
- Indiana averages 14.9 fast break points per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Memphis ranks 27th in fast break points allowed per game (14.3).
- The Pacers rank 12th in points in the paint per game (44.9) while the Grizzlies rank 25th (42.3).
- Memphis ranks 15th in blocks per game (4.8) while Indiana ranks 25th (4.0).
- Memphis ranks 23rd in three pointers attempted per game (26.2) while Indiana ranks 26th (24.7).
- The Pacers average 18.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks second in the NBA. The Grizzlies rank 21st in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.3).
- The Pacers rank 22nd in rebounds per game (42.2) while the Grizzlies rank 29th (40.5).
- Indiana ranks second in steals per game (8.7) while Memphis ranks 20th (7.5).
- In games where they allow less than 100 points, Memphis is 13-12 and Indiana is 29-5.
- In games where they reach 100 points, the Grizzlies are 17-23 and the Pacers are 40-18.
