Indiana Pacers game preview: Detroit Pistons host Pacers as both teams manage injuries
The Indiana Pacers take on the Detroit Pistons tonight in the first of two games between the two franchises in the Motor City. The Pacers beat the Pistons last October in the first battle between the two squads.
Since then, the Pistons have tumbled to an NBA worst 15-52 while the Pacers sit at 30-37. The Pacers are one game back of the final play-in spot while the Pistons have the worst record in basketball.
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip off time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana/Bally Sports+, Bally Sports Detroit
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are favorites as they are -5.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 228.5.
Pacers vs Pistons Injury Report
For the Pacers, guard Bennedict Mathurin (right ankle sprain) and wing Kendall Brown (right tibia stress fracture) are out. Guard Trevelin Queen is out as a part of his two-way contract. Tyrese Haliburton (left knee), T.J. McConnell (back), and Myles Turner (lower back) are questionable.
For the Pistons, Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks, Cade Cunningham, Hamidou Diallo, Jaden Ivey, and Isaiah Stewart are out. Marvin Bagley III is probable.
Key Matchups
Myles Turner vs James Wiseman: The Pistons acquired young center James Wiseman at the trade deadline, and the big man is averaging 12.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game since the deal. A change of scenery and expectations has helped the young big man.
Pacers center Myles Turner, one of the NBA's best paint protectors and a solid shooter, will be Wiseman's matchup tonight. Turner is a tough cover for any big man and has been excellent for the Pacers this season, so Indiana should have an advantage in this battle.
T.J. McConnell vs Cory Joseph: T.J. McConnell is averaging nine points and five assists per game on solid shooting splits since the All-Star break. He has been an important leader for the Pacers second unit, which is clicking of late.
That will be important against a shorthanded Pistons team. Detroit's bench is guided by former Pacer Cory Joseph, who scored a team-high 17 points on Thursday against the Charlotte Hornets. McConnell will need to be on his A-game.
- Bennedict Mathurin is not expected to play against the Detroit Pistons with an ankle sprain. CLICK HERE.
- Aaron Nesmith put in the extra work with the Boston Celtics. It's paying off for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- AllPacers goes one-on-one with new Indiana Pacers forward Jordan Nwora, CLICK HERE, and guard Trevelin Queen. CLICK HERE.
- Actor and comedian Will Ferrell attends Indiana Pacers game vs Philadelphia 76ers. CLICK HERE.
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