The Pacers head to Memphis tonight at 2–6, carrying a five-game losing streak and something more encouraging than the record suggests.

Monday’s 108–104 loss to Atlanta came with just six players available. Indiana still had a chance to take the lead in the final minute. After several frustrating performances, that group gave us an evening worth appreciating—and a standard (effort-wise at least) to carry forward as some of the regulars return.

Memphis presents a substantial challenge. The Grizzlies are 6–1, having won their first six games before losing to New Orleans in overtime on Monday.

Six players nearly found a way

Huff led Indiana with twenty-two points against Atlanta. Jackson added twenty, and Braden Smith finished his first career start with nineteen points and ten assists. Walker, Slawson, and Kobe Brown also reached double figures.

The Pacers kept working despite Atlanta’s perimeter shooting. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored thirty-four points and made nine threes, while the Hawks hit fifteen triples before halftime. Indiana tightened things up after the break and made the finish competitive.

Jackson’s steal and layup brought the Pacers within 106–104 with 1:36 remaining. He later had a three-point attempt for the lead, but it missed, and Onyeka Okongwu’s late jumper secured Atlanta’s win.

The result still matters. Indiana needs wins. But the movement, persistence, and willingness to keep attacking were encouraging under those circumstances. The returning players need to add their abilities to that approach.

Smith and Huff made useful cases

Smith’s performance was particularly welcome. Getting a rookie point guard’s first start under those conditions is a considerable assignment, and he helped keep Indiana’s offense productive.

His next opportunity may come with fewer minutes and a more defined role. I’m interested in whether he can bring the same decisiveness to a shorter appearance: get the group organized, recognize the opening, and make the pass before the defense recovers.

Huff also supplied scoring when Indiana badly needed it. His offensive value becomes greater when teammates use his shooting to create space elsewhere. A defender following him outside should open opportunities for a cut or drive; a defender staying near the basket should leave a pass available.

Those decisions need to happen together. Indiana has spent enough possessions this season creating a small advantage and then allowing it to disappear.

More familiar faces should return

Nembhard, Nesmith, and Siakam are no longer on the injury report after missing Monday’s game. Nance is also off the report following his illness. Zubac has been upgraded to questionable with his left ankle sprain.

That should give Carlisle more options for distributing the work. Nembhard can organize the offense, Siakam provides a primary scorer, and Nesmith adds an important perimeter defender and shooting.

Memphis has started quickly

The Grizzlies’ first defeat was a 135–134 overtime loss to New Orleans. Ty Jerome scored forty points, including nine straight late in regulation to force the extra period.

Jerome’s ability to change pace and operate around screens puts pressure on the relationship between Indiana’s guards and big men. The first defender needs to stay involved, and the center has to communicate whether he is containing the ball or protecting the space behind him.

Rookie Cameron Boozer gives Memphis another player who can contribute across possessions. He is averaging more than ten rebounds and five assists, offering the Grizzlies production beyond his scoring.

Indiana needs to account for him when shots go up and stay alert to the next pass when he receives the ball. Simply stopping the initial action won’t be enough if Memphis collects another opportunity or finds a cutter behind the help.

What I’m watching tonight

Rebounding is a priority, particularly if Zubac remains unavailable. Indiana needs its wings to help secure the ball when a big man steps forward to contest.

Offensively, I want to see the returning starters create opportunities for the whole group. Siakam drawing help should lead to an immediate decision from the next player. Nembhard getting into the paint should produce movement around him.

Monday showed how much purposeful, unselfish play can accomplish. Tonight offers a chance to sustain that approach with a deeper rotation against a team playing confidently.

Who’s available?

As of the NBA’s 5:15 p.m. ET report, Zubac, Oubre, and Toppin are questionable. Zubac has the ankle sprain, Oubre is listed with a left calf contusion, and Toppin has a lumbar strain.

Haliburton, McConnell, Sheppard, and Furphy remain out. Smith, Slawson, and Kobe Brown carry questionable designations related to their two-way status rather than listed injuries.

For Memphis, Scotty Pippen Jr. is out with a back injury, and Quinten Post is questionable with a right ankle sprain.

Tonight’s details

Opponent: Memphis Grizzlies
When: Wednesday, November 4, 8 p.m. ET
Where: FedExForum, Memphis
Watch: DAZN locally; NBA League Pass out of market.

The Pacers need to turn encouraging stretches into a complete performance. Getting players back should help, but Monday’s competitiveness and shared responsibility need to remain part of the game.

What are you watching for tonight?

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