The Indiana Pacers will dive straight back into action after the All-Star break as they host the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday night in Indianapolis.
Indiana coach Rick Carlisle knows his team will need to be fully engaged from the opening tip-off against one of the league’s most formidable opponents.
The Pacers have been idle since February 12, when they pulled off a 134-130 overtime victory against the Washington Wizards after overcoming a 19-point deficit. That win came against a Wizards team that holds the worst record in the NBA at 9-45.
In that game, Obi Toppin scored a season-high 31 points, and Bennedict Mathurin added 28, both coming off the bench to provide a significant boost for the Pacers, who have been inconsistent over their last five games, going 2-3 during that span.
Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton acknowledged that the Pacers needed the break to rest some tired bodies, but they have since returned to practice with renewed energy.
Pacers center Myles Turner is expected to return from a cervical strain sustained during a collision with Mathurin against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 6.
Pascal Siakam was the only Pacer to participate in the All-Star Game, while three Grizzlies players—Jaren Jackson Jr., Zach Edey, and Jaylen Wells—also took part. Siakam and Jackson were selected as All-Stars, while Edey and Wells participated in the Rising Stars game.
Memphis guard Ja Morant, who has been hampered by injuries this season, did not get selected for the All-Star festivities. He has played in only 32 games this season and missed the Grizzlies’ 128-114 loss to the Clippers on February 12 due to right knee soreness.
A healthier Morant will be crucial for the Grizzlies, who face a challenging road schedule against top-seven seeds in the Eastern Conference right after the break.
Jackson, averaging a career-best 23.0 points per game this season, enjoyed his second All-Star experience but is now focused on getting back to business.
