Indiana Pacers vs Dallas Mavericks preview: Start time, where to watch, injury report, betting odds February 25
The Indiana Pacers continue their homestand tonight as they host the Dallas Mavericks in Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Despite both teams having played 56+ games this season, this will be their first meeting of the 2023-24 campaign.
The Pacers have won five of their last seven games, but that falls short of the Mavericks' current level — Dallas has a Western Conference-best seven-game winning streak and has climbed up to sixth in the playoff picture.
"It's a challenge that you don't face a whole lot in this league. When you've got two guys like Luka [Doncic] and Kyrie [Irving], two guys that are incredible with the ball... it's a challenge not just for the guy that's guarding them, it's for the whole group," Pacers guard T.J. McConnell said Saturday of containing the Mavericks electric backcourt.
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip off time: 5 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana, Bally Sports+, Bally Sports Southwest
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are slight underdogs as they are currently +1.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 251.5.
Pacers vs Mavericks Injury Report
The Pacers listed Aaron Nesmith (right ankle sprain) as out. Jalen Smith is questionable with lower back spasms. Kendall Brown, Oscar Tshiebwe, and Isaiah Wong are questionable due to their status on a two-way contract.
For the Mavericks, Greg Brown III, Dante Exum, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper are out. Luka Doncic, Maxi Kleber, and Dereck Lively II are all probable.
Key Matchup
Andrew Nembhard vs Kyrie Irving: Nobody can truly contain either of the Mavs elite guards, but making life as hard as possible for each of them is important. As Indiana's best available perimeter defender, Nembhard's primary job on Sunday will be to attempt to slow down Irving or Doncic.
Irving, an eight-time All-Star who is crafty with the ball, is averaging 25.6 points per game this season and has become a lethal outside shooter playing off of Doncic. If Nembhard can knock down his own shots and make Irving's life difficult, it will go a long way for the blue and gold.
- Tyrese Haliburton spends All-Star weekend as the face of the NBA, winning comes next. CLICK HERE.
- Doug McDermott adjusting to trade and studying how to help the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
- One-on-one with former Indiana Pacers great Metta Sandiford-Artest (Ron Artest) during NBA All-Star weekend. CLICK HERE.
- Indiana Pacers handle Detroit Pistons to open post-All-Star break play. CLICK HERE.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers
