Indiana Pacers game preview: Pacers host Detroit Pistons in final home game of 2022-23 season
The Indiana Pacers play their 41st and final home game of the 2022-23 season tonight as they host the Detroit Pistons. Both teams have their fate locked in for the campaign and will miss the playoffs.
The Pistons have won just once in their last 23 games, but that win was against the Pacers on March 13. Indiana is 2-1 against Detroit this season, though this game could feature different talent than the previous outings.
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 Detroit
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are favorites as they are -6.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 230.5.
Pacers vs Pistons Injury Report
For the Pacers, wing Kendall Brown (right tibia stress fracture), wing Chris Duarte (left ankle soreness), and guard Tyrese Haliburton (right ankle sprain/left ankle soreness) are all out. Center Myles Turner (left ankle soreness), guard T.J. McConnell (right hip soreness), and center Jalen Smith (right knee soreness) are questionable. Guard Gabe York, who recently made his season debut, is questionable as a part of his two-way contract.
For the Pistons, Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks, Cade Cunningham, Hamidou Diallo, Rodney McGruder, and Isaiah Stewart are out. Isaiah Livers and Eugene Omoruyi are questionable. Marvin Bagley III is probable.
Key Matchups
Bennedict Mathurin vs Jaden Ivey: Two of the top picks in the 2023 NBA Draft will face off again as Bennedict Mathurin and Jaden Ivey duel. They both could end up being on the All-Rookie first team when the season ends.
Ivey had 23 points and 10 assists in the Pistons last game while Mathurin is averaging 16.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game since moving into the starting five nine games ago. Both guards are capable of big nights, and their battle will be worth monitoring.
Buddy Hield vs R.J. Hampton: Buddy Hield has been fitting into his new bench role well, and the Pacers recently discovered what life is like without the sweet-shooting guard. He's averaging 12.0 points per game and shooting 36.4% from deep in his last five games.
Tonight, Hield will face off with R.J. Hampton, who joined the Pistons midseason. He scored 27 points in Detroit's most recent game and is finding his groove with a new team. His duel with Hield could shape the game.
- How T.J. McConnell's low center of gravity helps him make plays for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers eliminated from playoff contention, focus remains on internal development and competing. CLICK HERE.
- Gabe York makes his season debut for the Indiana Pacers, has a career-high scoring night. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers learn more about the value of Buddy Hield from his absence. CLICK HERE.
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