The Indiana Pacers have lost nine out of their last 10 games, and that serves as the perfect opportunity for the Los Angeles Lakers to seize the momentum that they have been struggling to maintain throughout the season.
The last time the two teams squared off, Andrew Nembhard’s buzzer-beater sealed the deal for Indiana, and LA will have that memory in mind when they head to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena.
On the standings front, the Pacers are still better-placed. They’re tenth in the East, while the same can’t be said for the Lakers. They’re yet to reach.500 this season, and they have 30 games remaining to make a playoff push. Given the Pacers’ struggles, the Lakers are a cinch to win the contest, and a win or two on the trot puts them back on course to a postseason berth.
Rui Hachimura’s arrival surely has bolstered the Lakers’ unit. He’s played alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis and had a good game against the New York Knicks, notching up 19 points and 9 rebounds as a starter. He and LA will hope that there will be more of those outings over the course of the season.
And on that note, here’s a quick look at the projected starters, the injury reports from both camps, and the predictions ahead of the much-anticipated clash.
Indiana Pacers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
Center Daniel Theis is marked questionable for the Thursday matchup against the Lakers. While Tyrese Haliburton is officially listed as questionable as well, ESPN reports that head coach Rick Carlisle intends to play his guard.
Tyrese Haliburton (G), Aaron Nesmith (G), Buddy Hield (F), Benedict Mathurin (F), and Myles Turner (C) will be the likely starters for the Pacers.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Lakers have listed Patrick Beverley (left knee soreness) and Anthony Davis (right foot stress injury) as probable. James is questionable with left ankle soreness, while Austin Reaves (hamstring) continues to be sidelined.
Expect the Lakers to go with the same lineup they did against the Knicks. Dennis Schroder (G), Troy Brown Jr. (G), Rui Hachimura (F), LeBron James (F), and Anthony Davis (C).
Indiana Pacers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Predictions
The Lakers’ defense will be called to the forefront again as they look to keep sharpshooter Buddy Hield and offensive powerhouse Myles Turner quiet. The former potential Lakers trade targets have been doing the bulk of the scoring for Indiana, averaging 17.4 and 17.5 points, respectively.
The Pacers have the distinction of being the sixth-best team in the league for their downtown attempts and percentage, and that coupled with their composure and self-belief to go for the shot in clutch moments, is what makes them a dangerous side. It remains to be seen if the Purple and Gold have learned their lesson from their devastating loss last time against the same unit.
For now, the Lakers head into the game as favorites, despite their roller-coaster run so far this season. Only time will tell if they can seize the chance to roll out a few wins on the trot and break into the elusive top 10.
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