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Pacers vs Grizzlies action arrives Wednesday night as Indiana begins a demanding stretch of travel against one of the NBA’s hottest teams. The Pacers, sitting at 2-6, visit the 6-1 Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. ET.
Indiana enters the matchup having lost five consecutive games. However, Monday’s 108-104 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks showed plenty of fight. The Pacers had only six available players, yet every player reached double figures while logging at least 34 minutes.
Pacers vs Grizzlies Preview: Indiana Faces a Critical Road Challenge
Rookie guard Braden Smith made his first career start against Atlanta and delivered an impressive performance. The former Purdue standout recorded 19 points and 10 assists in 42 minutes, offering a bright moment during an especially difficult night for Indiana.
“This is the culture that I believe we have built here,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said after the loss. “Going forward, it will take nothing less than that.”
The Pacers are expected to receive important reinforcements in Memphis. Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam are all set to return after sitting out Monday for injury management. Obi Toppin, Larry Nance Jr. and Kelly Oubre Jr. could also be available.
Ivica Zubac, who has missed the last five games with a sprained ankle, was upgraded to questionable. Indiana remains without several important contributors, including Tyrese Haliburton, T.J. McConnell, Ben Sheppard and Johnny Furphy.
Explosive Ty Jerome Leads Memphis’ Surprising Start
Memphis has been one of the biggest surprises of the early NBA season. The Grizzlies won their first six games before suffering a narrow 135-134 overtime loss to New Orleans on Monday.
Ty Jerome has been central to the team’s fast start. In his eighth NBA season, the guard is averaging 28.2 points and 5.7 assists per game, ranking sixth in the league in scoring. Jerome opened the season with 45 points against Utah, followed by 31 and 28-point performances. He then erupted for 40 points against the Pelicans, shooting 14-of-22 from the field and 5-of-6 from three-point range.
Jerome also shares a connection with Indiana center Jay Huff. The two were teammates at the University of Virginia when the Cavaliers won the 2019 national championship.
Rookie forward Cam Boozer has added another major storyline for Memphis. The third overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is averaging 17.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists through his first seven professional games. His all-around production has helped the Grizzlies remain dangerous even when their leading scorer is contained.
Key Storylines and Probable Starters
- Indiana’s returning starters: Nembhard, Nesmith and Siakam are expected back in the lineup.
- Memphis’ offensive firepower: Jerome enters the game averaging 28.2 points per contest.
- Rookie watch: Boozer is already producing double-double-level numbers across several categories.
- Indiana’s road history: The Pacers have lost five straight games in Memphis and last won at FedEx Forum on April 11, 2021.
- Siakam’s milestone: The forward needs 40 points to reach 13,000 career points.
The probable Pacers lineup features Andrew Nembhard and Quenton Jackson in the backcourt, Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam at forward, and Jay Huff at center. Memphis is expected to start Ty Jerome, Cedric Coward, Jaylen Wells, Cameron Boozer and Zach Edey.
What Comes Next for Indiana?
Wednesday’s game is only the beginning of a busy travel sequence. After facing Memphis, Indiana will travel to Mexico City for the NBA Mexico City Game 2026 against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. The Pacers will then head to Dallas to meet the Mavericks on Monday.
A victory would provide a major lift for a team trying to stabilize its season while managing a lengthy injury list. It would also end Indiana’s extended losing streak in Memphis. For the Grizzlies, the goal is to respond strongly after their first loss and prove their hot start is more than a short-lived surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Pacers vs Grizzlies game?
The Pacers and Grizzlies will play Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET at FedEx Forum in Memphis.
What is Indiana’s record entering the game?
The Pacers enter the matchup with a 2-6 record and have lost five consecutive games.
Who leads the Grizzlies this season?
Ty Jerome leads Memphis with averages of 28.2 points and 5.7 assists per game.
Which Pacers players are expected to return?
Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam are expected to return after sitting out Monday for injury management.
When did the Pacers last win in Memphis?
Indiana’s last victory at FedEx Forum came on April 11, 2021.
