Indiana Pacers game preview: Orlando Magic come to Indy on second night of Pacers back-to-back
The Indiana Pacers return home tonight after two games on the road to host the Orlando Magic. It's the first time the teams have played since the Pacers beat the Magic in overtime last March.
Indiana is 9-7 and has won three games in a row, they have lost just once in November. The Magic, meanwhile, are 5-11 despite dealing with numerous key injuries this season.
The Pacers played last night against the Rockets in Houston, so they are on a back-to-back with travel in between the games. The Magic are in the same boat, they played in Chicago on Friday night. Stamina will be a key factor in the 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+, Bally Sports Florida
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are favorites against Orlando as they are -5.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 228.5.
Pacers vs Magic Injury Report
The Pacers have not released an injury report just yet since they played last night. Daniel Theis (right knee) and Chris Duate (left ankle) are likely to remain out. Kendall Brown and Trevelin Queen have been in the G League for most of the season so far. Tyrese Haliburton injured his ankle with 37.7 seconds to go against Houston and left the game, but his status is still to be determined.
Assistant coach Lloyd Pierce, speaking for head coach Rick Carlisle postgame since Carlisle was ejected in the second quarter Friday night, said "he's okay," about Haliburton, per iPacersblog.
The Magic also have not released an injury report since they played the Bulls last night. Guard Markelle Fultz and rookie sensation Paolo Banchero are both likely out for the action.
Key Matchups
Buddy Hield vs Franz Wagner: Wagner is quickly becoming one of the NBA's most underrated players, and he is a tricky matchup for opponents since Orlando sometimes opens games with huge lineups — Wagner started in the backcourt on Friday night. The German is averaging 18.7 points per game this season.
Hield is having a tremendous campaign scoring the ball, but he will be overmatched height wise. Has a speed and shooting advantage that he can lean on, and this cross match will be key in the game. It's a clash of styles.
Jalen Smith vs Bol Bol: Smith just had one of his best games of the season when he finished with 10 points and 18 rebounds against Houston. He has been one of Indiana's best rebounders this season, and his scoring is coming along (10+ points in four of Indiana's last five games).
Bol has finally emerged this season, and he is averaging nearly a double-double in just 25 minutes of action per game. He's a mathcup nightmare with his wingspan and size, so Smith will need to pay attention to the details in that battle.
- Oshae Brissett puts together his best game of the season to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Toronto Raptors: 'He's doing it at a high level'. CLICK HERE.
- Bennedict Mathurin continues his impressive rookie season with an 18-point quarter, 30-point game vs Denver Nuggets. CLICK HERE.
- Younger Indiana Pacers players are benefitting from T.J. McConnell's leadership. CLICK HERE.
- Report: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner. CLICK HERE.
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