ORLANDO, Fla. – Wednesday night time’s recreation between the Orlando Magic and the Indiana Pacers is already the third matchup between the 2 groups this 12 months. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. on the Kia Middle.
The Magic are taking part in the second half of back-to-back video games. They opened NBA Cup group play on Tuesday with a 25-point victory over the Charlotte Hornets.
The Pacers final performed Sunday night time, after they beat the New York Knicks in an Jap playoff semifinal rematch in Indianapolis.
It is solely been per week since these two groups final noticed one another, however their circumstances have modified. The Pacers’ 118-111 victory on November 6 capped a winless street journey for the Magic. At that low level, the Magic had gone 3-6 general and 0-4 with out main scorer Paolo Banchero (torn proper indirect).
Now, Orlando is on the lookout for its fourth straight win and sixth undefeated residence run. The Pacers and Magic will probably be tied within the standings, so this matchup might show essential in the long term.
Their fourth and last matchup will not happen till Recreation 81 of 82. However for tiebreaker functions, it will do Orlando good to be forward of the Pacers for many of the season.
Prime scorers
Gameday damage information to observe:
Notable figures
The Pacers protection is struggling once more this season, however that’s maybe to be anticipated with out Nesmith or Nembhard within the lineup constantly and with out the shortage of depth within the frontcourt. With accidents to backups Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman sidelining them for the whole season, the necessity for our bodies behind Myles Turner is obtrusive.
It might worsen if the Pacers are with out Obi Toppin for an additional recreation resulting from a sprained ankle. Indiana has turned to Quenton Jackson and Enrique Freeman to fill out a sturdy rotation, however the Pacers are additionally relying on their wholesome starters and stars to select up the slack.
Siakam stays at a tempo of 20 factors per recreation and Haliburton remains to be in good condition. However third-year guard Bennedict Mathurin has been scoring in droves since his elevation to the beginning lineup.
Over the past six video games, together with 5 begins, Mathurin is averaging 24.2 factors, 8.2 rebounds and a couple of.5 assists with unimaginable taking pictures effectivity – 54.7 FG% and 56.0 3PT%. He is additionally taking part in 36 minutes per recreation, one other call-up to the Pacers’ shallow bench resulting from damage.
Every week in the past in Indianapolis, the Magic had been torched by Jarace Walker and TJ McConnell, who mixed for 32 factors on 14-of-14 taking pictures. They contributed to a balanced effort that noticed six Indiana gamers rating not less than 15 factors.
Orlando turned the ball over 16 occasions on this recreation, however solely pressured 11 on the Pacers – tied for the fewest this season. The Magic’s identification stems from its protection, and operating in transition produces its finest counterattack.
The Magic might want to steal possessions from an in any other case potent Indiana offense.
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