76ers To Be Among First Teams to Face New-Look Indiana Pacers

Earlier this week, the Philadelphia 76ers saw another potential trade target come off the board. The Toronto Raptors have made another big move, sending forward Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers. Siakam was among the many players tied to the Sixers in trade rumors.

Looking at the schedule, the Sixers are going to be among the first teams to square off against the new look Pacers team. Reports emerged that Siakam is already with the team, and suited up Friday night in Portland.

As for the team's other star, Tyrese Haliburton returned to action after dealing with a hamstring injury. The All-Star point guard had been out of action since January 9th.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle says Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) won’t return to action against the Kings tonight. Carlisle added he wasn’t certain when newcomer Pascal Siakam will debut but he will join the franchise on the road trip.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 18, 2024

The Pacers' new duo played well in their first game together. In his debut for Indiana, Siakam notched 21 points and six rebounds. Haliburton recorded 21 points and 17 assists in his first game back from injury. The Pacers ended up losing to the Trail Blazers by a final score of 99-91.

Following this matchup with the Blazers, Indiana has two more games before taking on the Sixers. They face off against Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns, followed by a meeting with the Denver Nuggets.

Bringing in another All-Star is big for the Pacers, who are looking to climb up the ranks in the Eastern Conference. So far this season, Siakam is averaging 22.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 4.9 APG.

At the moment, the Pacers are one of the few teams within striking distance of the Sixers in the standings. They are 24-17 at the halfway point, tied with the Miami Heat for sixth place. Indiana is just three games behind the Sixers, who remain in third place with a 26-13 record.

When these teams face off at the end of the month, it will be the final matchup of the season series. It is currently tied up at one, with Indiana winning the most recent matchup.