Indiana Pacers game preview: Damian Lillard and Portland Trail Blazers visit Indianapolis
The Indiana Pacers and Portland Trail Blazers will battle on Friday night in Indianapolis. Both teams currently sit in seventh place in their respective conferences.
Portland got off to a great start this season, but has fallen back to earth a bit and sits near .500 now at 19-18. They have won four of their last 10 games — meanwhile, Indiana has won six of its last 10.
The Trail Blazers beat the Pacers 116-100 earlier this season, though Tyrese Haliburton did not play in that game.
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+, Root Sports Northwest
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are slight favorites as they are -1.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 237.5.
Pacers vs Trail Blazers Injury Report
For the Pacers, center Daniel Theis (right knee surgery) and wing Kendall Brown (right tibia) are out. Trevelin Queen may be in the G League as a part of his two-way contract, and Isaiah Jackson is questionable as he has been on a G League assignment.
For the Trail Blazers, Justise Winslow and Nassir Little are out. Jerami Grant and Gary Payton II are questionable while Jusuf Nurkic is probable.
Key Matchups
Tyrese Haliburton vs Damian Lillard: This matchup will be awesome for fans. Both point guards have been terrific this season, with Damian Lillard having a bounceback year and averaging 27.4 points per game while Haliburton averages 20.6 points and 10.2 assists per game.
Both players are impossible to guard for 48 minutes, and it is unlikely that they defend each other. But they can still produce fireworks, and whichever player has a better offensive night will give his team the better chance to win.
Myles Turner vs Jusuf Nurkic: Myles Turner is having a career year for the blue and gold and is putting up his best-ever numbers in both scoring and rebounding. He's been more of a presence on the interior this season.
Jusuf Nurkic's strength and power could be a challenge for him, though Turner has fared well in the matchup in the past. The clash of styles will lead to a fun battle down low, though both players are having decent campaign's shooting the ball from long range as well.
- Report: Myles Turner and Indiana Pacers open up contract extension talks. CLICK HERE.
- Aaron Nesmith is in a groove for the Indiana Pacers: 'Just playing free, playing to my strengths.' CLICK HERE.
- Pacers guard Trevelin Queen on Tyrese Haliburton: 'He's just a great leader.' CLICK HERE.
- Pacers center Isaiah Jackson focusing on the simple things to stay engaged and be effective. CLICK HERE.
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