Memphis outscored opponents by 12.5 points per 100 possessions through six games and lost its first game 135-134 in overtime. The Pacers arrive at 2-6 and missing Tyrese Haliburton.
Is the 6-1 start built on something real?
Through six games Memphis scored 119.6 points per 100 possessions and allowed 107.1, a net rating of plus-12.5. Both ends are carrying weight. Six games is still a small sample, and a rating that high does not prove the pace holds, but a team that wins one end only rarely looks like this.
What did the overtime loss actually show?
Memphis trailed the Pelicans 124-115 with 1:43 left in regulation, then forced overtime at 124-124 and took a 126-124 lead. The game had 16 lead changes and eight ties. Tyrese-level drama aside, it ended on Jeremiah Fears's two free throws with seven seconds left. One possession decided it, which proves the edge is there, not that anything broke.
Is Ty Jerome carrying too much?
Jerome is averaging 29.8 points over four games and scored 40 on 14-of-22 shooting Monday, with five threes. Our tally has him 50 points short of 2,500 for his career, about two games away at this season's scoring rate, a projection. Four games prove he can do it, not that he must.
Who is healthy enough to play the Pacers?
Quinten Post is day-to-day with a right ankle issue and has a Nov. 4 target date. Scotty Pippen Jr. is out with his back and is aimed at Nov. 6. Our tally shows 178 minutes lost to injury since opening night, and 5 of 7 Memphis players listed day-to-day missed the following game, so the Post date is not a promise.
How much will beating Indiana tell us?
Not much if Memphis wins. The Pacers are 2-6 on a five-game losing streak, with Haliburton, Obi Toppin and Ivica Zubac out and Kelly Oubre Jr. day-to-day. Their net rating is minus-3.4 over six games. A win is expected. A loss to this group would say more about Memphis than any box score.
What is the Grizzlies' record this season?
Memphis is 6-1 and holds the two seed after starting 6-0. Its only loss was 135-134 in overtime to New Orleans.
Who is injured for the Grizzlies against the Pacers?
Scotty Pippen Jr. is out with a back issue, and Quinten Post is day-to-day with a right ankle issue.
