Indiana Pacers game preview: Pacers look to end losing streak in Washington against Wizards
The Indiana Pacers travel to the Nation's Capital tonight to battle the Washington Wizards. It's their second game of a back-to-back, they fell to the Phoenix Suns last night.
The Pacers have lost eight of their last 10 games and are in a nasty skid. The Wizards, meanwhile, have won seven of their last 10 games and sit 10th in the Eastern Conference. If the Pacers want to make the play-in tournament, toppling Washington is important.
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip off time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana/Bally Sports+, NBC Sports Washington
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are underdogs as they are +5.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 234.5.
Pacers vs Wizards Injury Report
The Pacers played last night, so they have not yet released an injury report. None of their newly acquired players — Jordan Nwora, George Hill, and Serge Ibaka — are expected to play tonight. Wing Kendall Brown and guard Trevelin Queen are typically listed as questionable as a part of their two-way contracts
For the Wizards, Kyle Kuzma and Isaiah Todd are out.
Key Matchups
Aaron Nesmith vs Kristaps Porzingis: Kristaps Porzingis starts at the power forward spot for the Wizards. He's seven feet tall. Aaron Nesmith starts in that spot for the Pacers, and he's roughly six-and-a-half feet tall. The clash of size tonight will be fascinating.
It is unlikely that Porzingis guards Nesmith, or vice versa, but the contrast is size will make that matchup important.
Buddy Hield vs Bradley Beal: At his best, Wizards guard Bradley Beal is one of the smoothest scorers in the league. He averaged over 30 points per game in two different past seasons, and his scoring numbers are impressive this season, too.
Hield is a quality scorer himself, and he is approaching 18 points per game. He's one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA, so his matchup with Beal could produce fireworks.
- Why a contract extension made sense for the Indiana Pacers and Myles Turner. CLICK HERE.
- Full trade: Indiana Pacers acquire Jordan Nwora, George Hill, Serge Ibaka, three second-round picks, and cash for draft rights to Juan Pablo Vaulet. CLICK HERE.
- Source: Indiana Pacers to waive forward Terry Taylor. CLICK HERE.
- Daniel Theis debuted for the Indiana Pacers and showed how he can help the team. CLICK HERE.
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