The Indiana Pacers will aim to continue their recent resurgence with an eighth win in nine matches when they entertain the challenge of the Philadelphia 76ers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday.
The sides claimed one victory apiece across the earlier two meetings this term, and both will now be looking to take a season series lead before their final encounter in March.
Match preview
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Having had their momentum halted with a 127-117 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Indiana Pacers wasted no time returning to winning ways in a 111-100 triumph over the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Friday.
In a game that saw two of the most in-form sides go head-to-head, Rick Carlisle's men stormed to a 13-point advantage at the break and never looked like relinquishing their lead at any point of the remaining two quarters.
Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam were both on song for the Pacers as they combined for 54 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while floor general Tyrese Haliburton also chipped in with 17 points and eight assists.
Now 7-1 over their last eight matches, the Pacers are starting to rediscover the form that saw them reach the Eastern Conference finals last season, where they went on to suffer a 4-0 series sweep to eventual champions Boston Celtics.
With four of their next five matches coming on home turf, Sunday's hosts have the opportunity to pull further away from the chasing pack in the race for the sixth place, which guarantees an automatic playoff berth.
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After their addition of Paul George during the off-season, the Philadelphia 76ers were tipped to be one of the major championship contenders from the Eastern Conference, but it is safe to say that has not been the case.
Nick Nurse's men have had to deal with several injuries to key stars such as erstwhile MVP Joel Embiid and the aforementioned George, who have played a combined 40 games midway through the campaign.
This has placed an added burden on all-star guard Tyrese Maxey, whose 33 points were unable to save the 76ers from a 125-119 defeat to the New York Knicks in Thursday's meeting at the Wells Fargo Center.
That was a fourth straight defeat for the 76ers, who are now 2-7 since the turn of the year and 15-24 for the campaign, which leaves them currently a considerable way adrift of playoff contention down in 11th place.
Ranking in the bottom three for points per game and field goals made per game, Sunday's visitors have lacked an offensive spark all season long, and that will be the biggest area of improvement if they are to turn things around.
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Team News
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Isaiah Jackson is still unfit to participate after suffering a torn Achilles back in early November which has ruled him out for the Indiana Pacers since then.
The home side will also be without the services of 23-year-old James Wiseman, who underwent surgery to repair a torn Achilles a little shy of three months ago.
Aaron Nesmith was thrown right back into the lineup on his return to action from a lengthy injury spell last time out, and the guard is expected to start once again.
KJ Martin has been recently cleared to resume some on-court work for the 76ers, although the forward is still without a timetable regarding a potential comeback.
Rookie Jared McCain has had his debut year cut short by a knee problem and will now target a full recovery ahead of his sophomore NBA season with the visitors.
Kyle Lowry (hip), Andre Drummond (toe) and Caleb Martin (groin) are huge doubts to feature here, while Joel Embiid is also in a race against time to suit up this weekend.
Indiana Pacers possible starting five:
Haliburton, Nembhard; Nesmith, Siakam; Turner
Philadelphia 76ers possible starting five:
Maxey, Gordon; Oubre, George; Yabusele
We say: Pacers to win by 6+ points
The Pacers are on an upward trajectory at the moment and are playing their best basketball of the season so far.
We fully expect them to get the job done against a 76ers outfit that have probably been the most underwhelming side this term taking expectations into account.
Adepoju Marvellous
