Indiana Pacers game preview: Pacers return home to host LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Los Angeles Lakers

The Indiana Pacers host the Los Angeles Lakers in Gainbridge Fieldhouse tonight. Lakers star LeBron James almost certainly won't be breaking the scoring record in this one, but it will still be a unique battle between two teams close in the standings. The Pacers beat the Lakers by one point thanks to an Andrew Nembhard buzzer beater in November.

The Pacers have lost nine of their last 10 games but could get star guard Tyrese Haliburton back tonight. The Lakers, meanwhile, have won five of their last 10 games.

Viewing and Betting Information

Tip off time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana/Bally Sports+, Spectrum SportsNet

Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are slight underdogs as they are +1.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 240.5.

Pacers vs Lakers Injury Report

For the Pacers, guard Tyrese Haliburton (left knee and left elbow) and center Daniel Theis (right knee) are questionable. Wing Kendall Brown (G League) and guard Trevelin Queen may be in the G League as a part of their two-way contracts.

For the Lakers, Scotty Pippen Jr, Austin Reaves, and Cole Swider are out. LeBron James is questionable. Patrick Beverley and Anthony Davis are probable.

Key Matchups

Andrew Nembhard vs LeBron James: LeBron James is averaging over 30 points per game and is still one of the best players in the league at age 38. He is in his 20th NBA season but is as impressive as ever, and he's tough to contain.

Andrew Nembhard, who has been one of the Pacers best perimeter defenders for much of the season, will have to try. Nembhard's shot hasn't been falling lately, but it will need to in this matchup.

Aaron Nesmith vs Anthony Davis: Like James, Anthony Davis is having another ridiculous season. Injuries have kept him out for much of the year, but the eight-time All-Star is having his third-best scoring season ever.

Aaron Nesmith is on the smaller side for a forward, but he has defended well all year. He will need to again tonight. Slowing Davis will be a team effort, but Nesmith will be the leader of that effort. He will have to do what he can to keep up offensively as well.

Why a contract extension made sense for the Indiana Pacers and Myles Turner. CLICK HERE .
Tyrese Haliburton says he hopes to return from injury 'to start February' for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE .
Report: Indiana Pacers were 'finalist' for Rui Hachimura before Los Angeles Lakers trade. CLICK HERE .
Indiana Pacers rookies Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard were named to the NBA Rising Stars team. CLICK HERE.
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