Game Preview: Indiana Pacers vs. Toronto Raptors
The Indiana Pacers are set to host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at 3 p.m. EST as they try to snap their current three-game losing streak. Currently, the Pacers are struggling, holding a record of 13-39, placing them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. In contrast, the Raptors are performing well, standing fifth in the conference with a tally of 31-22, buoyed by their success in Eastern Conference matchups, where they have won 23 out of 37 games.
Team Performance
The Raptors have been particularly effective in fast-break scenarios, leading the NBA with an average of 19.2 fast-break points per game, largely thanks to RJ Barrett, who contributes 3.8 points in these situations. When it comes to defensive statistics, however, the Pacers are facing challenges, allowing an average of 118.4 points per game, which translates to a negative differential of 7.7 points.
In terms of offense, the Raptors score an average of 114.0 points per game, which is noticeably lower than the 118.4 points that the Pacers yield. Both teams’ three-point shooting sees the Pacers averaging 12.6 successful three-point shots per game, just shy of the 12.8 that the Raptors allow their opponents.
Previous Encounters
This meeting will be the teams’ fourth encounter this season, with their latest face-off resulting in a 115-101 victory for Toronto on January 15, highlighted by a 30-point performance from Brandon Ingram and 26 points from Pascal Siakam for the Pacers.
Key Players
Key players include Scottie Barnes for the Raptors, who is averaging 19.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, while Ingram has also shone with 23.6 points over his last ten games. For the Pacers, Siakam averages 23.7 points and 6.8 rebounds, while Andrew Nembhard has been productive from beyond the arc, with 1.8 made threes per game in his recent outings.
Recent Form and Injuries
In their last ten games, the Raptors have won six and are averaging 114.1 points per game along with solid shooting percentages, whereas the Pacers have only managed three wins, averaging 109.6 points and dealing with higher opponent scoring at 118.7 points.
Injury updates reveal that the Raptors are monitoring Jakob Poeltl and RJ Barrett, both listed as day-to-day. The Pacers face more significant setbacks with Obi Toppin out for the season due to a foot injury and Tyrese Haliburton sidelined after suffering an Achilles injury. Further uncertainty includes Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown, who are both also day-to-day without injury reports.
Conclusion
This game serves not only as a chance for the Pacers to regain some momentum but also for the Raptors to solidify their playoff position within a competitive Eastern Conference.
