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Grizzlies, Pacers Get Early Test with Back-to-Back Games
Two teams searching for rhythm and identity early in the season — the Indiana Pacers and Memphis Grizzlies — square off Saturday night at FedExForum in a matchup that tests both depth and endurance. For Indiana, it’s the first leg of a weekend back-to-back, while Memphis closes out one of its own after a blowout loss to Miami.
Game Information
Matchup: Indiana Pacers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Venue: FedExForum – Memphis, TN
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Broadcast: FDSI
Odds: Pacers -1.5 (-110) | Grizzlies +1.5 (-110) | O/U 236
For live NBA betting lines, spreads, and public money trends, visit the ScoresAndStats NBA Odds page.
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Indiana Pacers: Searching for Identity Without Haliburton
The Pacers enter this matchup still reeling from their 141-135 double-overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on opening night — a thrilling but exhausting effort that showed both promise and vulnerability. Playing without All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton, who tore his Achilles tendon during last season’s Finals, Indiana now leans on a restructured lineup and developing chemistry.
Bennedict Mathurin exploded for 36 points and 11 rebounds, while Pascal Siakam added 32 points and 15 boards in the opener, proving the Pacers still have offensive firepower even without their floor general. Head coach Rick Carlisle praised his group’s competitiveness but acknowledged the growing pains ahead: “There’s no easy fix. We’ve got to love the challenge that comes every night in this league.”
Indiana’s offense remains elite in pace and volume. They rank near the top of the league in possessions and free-throw rate, a reflection of Carlisle’s aggressive, attack-first philosophy. The Pacers also lead the NBA in rebounding (55 per game), giving them second-chance opportunities to offset defensive lapses.
However, turnovers and fatigue will be key issues in this back-to-back. The Pacers face Minnesota on Sunday, meaning Carlisle will need to balance minutes carefully for Siakam and Mathurin. The team’s injury list also includes Andrew Nembhard, sidelined with a shoulder issue, limiting Indiana’s backcourt rotation.
For bettors and fantasy players tracking the Pacers’ early-season trends, the NBA Picks section provides updated player performance props and projections ahead of every game.
Memphis Grizzlies: Talented but Turnover-Prone
Memphis opened its season with a strong 128-122 win over New Orleans but crashed back to earth on Friday night, surrendering 146 points to the Miami Heat in one of the most lopsided losses of the young season. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo didn’t mince words about his team’s execution: “Turnovers are generally the cause of something — whether it’s decision-making, skill, or scheme. We’ve got to get better.”
The Grizzlies committed 20 turnovers in that loss, continuing a troubling trend that has carried over from last season. Despite ranking second in scoring (121.7 PPG in 2024-25), Memphis’ careless ball control often derailed its rhythm. In their win over the Pelicans, Ja Morant was brilliant, scoring 35 points on 65% shooting, but he followed that up with just 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting against Miami.
The team’s interior defense remains a concern — they allowed 62 points in the paint to the Heat — and that weakness could be exposed again by Siakam’s versatility and the Pacers’ high-tempo attack. Still, Memphis’ athleticism and home-court energy make them dangerous, especially if Jaren Jackson Jr. can stay out of foul trouble and dominate the boards.
For a deeper look at Memphis’ team stats and historical performance, visit the NBA Teams hub for trends, rankings, and betting breakdowns.
Matchup Breakdown
Both teams have plenty to prove. The Pacers are adjusting to life without Haliburton’s playmaking, while the Grizzlies are searching for consistency under Iisalo’s system. Expect Indiana to push the tempo early — their offense thrives in transition and draws fouls at one of the highest rates in the league. Memphis, meanwhile, will rely on Morant’s penetration and Desmond Bane’s perimeter shooting to keep pace.
Turnovers could again define this contest. If Memphis limits mistakes and controls tempo, their physicality at home gives them a fighting chance. If the game turns into a shootout, Indiana’s spacing and rebounding edge could tilt the result their way.
For bettors exploring total points trends and live props, the NBA Betting Guide breaks down how pace and possessions translate into over/under value across recent matchups.
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Prediction
Both teams are capable of explosive offense, but Indiana’s superior rebounding and shot creation should give them the edge in a fast-paced contest. Memphis’ turnover issues and defensive breakdowns remain too frequent to ignore. Expect Siakam and Mathurin to carry the Pacers through a tight first half before pulling away late.
Projected Final Score: Indiana Pacers 137, Memphis Grizzlies 129
Betting Lean: Pacers -1.5 | Over 236
Stay updated on live lines, injury reports, and betting insights for this and all upcoming NBA matchups at the ScoresAndStats NBA Odds Hub.
