The Memphis Grizzlies aim for their seventh win in eight encounters against the Indiana Pacers when they face off today in NBA action at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Memphis guard Desmond Bane has been performing exceptionally well, and my predictions for the Grizzlies versus Pacers anticipate that the fifth-year guard’s strong performance will persist against an erratic Indiana defense.
Continue reading as I present my NBA selections for Thursday, February 20.
Prediction for the Grizzlies versus Pacers matchup
My optimal choice
Desmond Bane Exceeding 19.5 points (+105 at bet365)
My assessment
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane has achieved 20 or more points in his past five games, and he has an excellent opportunity to maintain this performance when he and the Grizzlies face the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Bane has been thriving since January. The fifth-year TCU player averaged just below 21 points per game (ppg) across 13 contests in January and 21.3 ppg in four games in February before to the break.
A prolonged absence may adversely impact scorers like as Bane; nevertheless, he is averaging over 19 points with three or more days of rest and has recorded 20 or more points in five consecutive games.
The Grizzlies guard will thrive in what is expected to be a rapid, high-paced game. Memphis operates at the second-fastest tempo on the road, and Indiana functions at the tenth-fastest pace at home.
Bane will also gain from a frequently erratic Pacers defense that concedes an average of 23 points per game to shooting guards and has permitted over 124 points in each of its past three games leading up to the All-Star break.
I am wagering that Bane surpasses his scoring prop against the porous Pacers defense.
I have a strong preference for Bane versus the Pacers’ defense, and I anticipate his contribution will lead to a Grizzlies victory.
Bane is depleting 39% of his six three-point attempts away from Memphis. In his last game prior to the hiatus, he made six three-pointers against the LA Clippers and has surpassed three three-pointers in six of 17 games since January 1.
The Memphis guard faces an Indiana defense that concedes 36% shooting from beyond the arc and allows 13 three-pointers a game at home.
The Grizzlies’ underappreciated defense may enough impede Indiana, allowing Bane, Ja Morant, and Jarren Jackson Jr. to inflict Indiana’s seventh defeat in their past eight encounters with Memphis and their third consecutive loss at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
