Indiana Pacers game preview: Pacers look for mini-series sweep of Detroit Pistons
The Indiana Pacers will look to pick up their second-straight win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. They took down the Motor City's team on Saturday.
A win would put the Pacers into 10th place in the Eastern Conference at 32-37. There is a lot on the line for the blue and gold, though it will be a tough task due to many injuries and the difficulty of beating a team twice in a row.
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 -3.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 226.5.
Pacers vs Pistons Injury Report
It's a lengthy injury report for the Pacers. Guard Bennedict Mathurin (right ankle sprain), wing Kendall Brown (right tibia stress fracture), guard Tyrese Haliburton (left knee), guard T.J. McConnell (back), and center Myles Turner (lower back) are out. Veteran Buddy Hield (left foot soreness) is questionable and guard Trevelin Queen is questionable as a part of his two-way contract.
For the Pistons, Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks, Cade Cunningham, Hamidou Diallo, Jaden Ivey, Isaiah Stewart, and Marvin Bagley III are out.
Key Matchups
Aaron Nesmith vs Isaiah Livers: Isaiah Livers was the Pistons leading scorer when the two teams met on Saturday with 18 points, so slowing him down will help the blue and gold. His size on the wing is impressive.
Aaron Nesmith will likely have the assignment of defending Livers. Nesmith has been a strong defender for Indiana all season, but he had just six points over the weekend. A better offensive outing could swing this matchup to the Pacers favor.
Andrew Nembhard vs Killian Hayes: The two current point guards for these banged up teams will be in charge of organizing their squads again. Andrew Nembhard finished Saturday's contest with 19 points and eight assists while Killian Hayes had 17 points and 13 assists.
At various times, each player was the most important person on the hardwood. They will be vital again tonight as the two teams look to create new advantages after their first matchup.
- 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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