A home fixture— just how the Memphis Grizzlies like it. They have proven time and again, to be specific 9-of-12 times, how strong they are in front of the FedExForum crowd. And to extend their 3-game winning streak, all at home, they will welcome their rivals from the West, the Indiana Pacers.
Unlike the Grizzlies, the Pacers are not enjoying the benefits of staying in the top-three spot. Instead, they’re struggling in the middle with a 9-11 record. To make matters worse, they have a 2-8 record on the road. Things already look challenging for them, and their growing injury list only adds to the difficulty. So, without further ado, let’s dive in to see who will miss Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
Grizzlies vs Pacers Injury Report:
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Grizzlies: The name listed on the Grizzlies’ injury report for their recent games is Zach Edey. The Canadian center had to be sidelined after twisting his ankle twice in the matchup against the Nuggets. As if his struggles with ankle injuries during the summer weren’t enough, now this setback has occurred. However, head coach Taylor Jenkins remains optimistic about his return. Edey is currently practicing with limited intensity but isn’t ready yet to play in the upcoming game against the Pacers.
Vince Williams Jr. was also last seen in the game against the Nuggets. The swingman will be sidelined for several weeks due to a Grade 3 right ankle sprain. Meanwhile, GG Jackson II is not expected to return before January, as he recently underwent right foot surgery to repair a broken fifth metatarsal. Though this will impact the Grizzlies’ bench, the rest of the squad is more than capable of stepping up.
Pacers: The Pacers, unlike the Grizzlies, have a relatively lengthy injury list. Their reliable starter Andrew Nembhard has been unable to provide the expected support because of left knee inflammation. But after missing 12 games, the combo guard’s status has been upgraded to questionable. The team will monitor his condition before finalizing their lineup.
Next on their list is Aaron Nesmith, who has been ruled out because of a sprained left ankle and Ben Sheppard will join him on the sidelines with an oblique injury. Meanwhile, the faces that will no longer be seen this season are Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, as both are suffering from season-ending calf injuries. The injury list certainly provides a clear picture of the teams’ rosters, but to make it even clearer, let’s take a look at their depth charts.
Grizzlies vs Pacers Depth Chart
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Grizzlies
Position | Starter | 2nd | 3rd |
PG | Ja Morant | Scotty Pippen Jr. | Marcus Smart |
SG | Desmond Bane | Marcus Smart | Luke Kennard |
SF | Jaylen Wells | Luke Kennard | Jake LaRavia |
PF | Jaren Jackson Jr. | Santi Aldama | Jake LaRavia |
C | Brandon Clarke | Zach Edey (Q) | Jay Huff |
Pacers
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Position | Starter | 2nd | 3rd |
PG | Tyrese Haliburton | T.J. McConnell | Quenton Jackson |
SG | Andrew Nembhard (O) | Quenton Jackson | Johnny Furphy |
SF | Bennedict Mathurin | Johnny Furphy | Quenton Jackson |
PF | Pascal Siakam | Jarace Walker | Obi Toppin |
C | Myles Turner | Obi Toppin | Moses Brown |
The Grizzlies and Pacers have faced off 56 times in regular-season games. Historically, the Pacers have been the more successful side, holding an advantage with 33 wins over the Grizzlies’ 23. However, the last three seasons have told a different story. Memphis had a five-game winning streak, which was finally snapped by Indiana in their most recent meet-up. Will this be the Pacers’ chance then to start a streak of their own, or will the Grizzlies take over control with their determined squad? Let’s find out what happens in the action-packed East vs. West clash at 3:30 PM ET.
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