This Saturday night, the Orlando Magic (16-11) are making their second appearance of the season in Indianapolis.
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Before delving into their stockings and unwrapping presents, the Pacers (14-13) are set to grace the Gainbridge Fieldhouse floor one final time. This Saturday night, the Orlando Magic (16-11) are making their second appearance of the season in Indianapolis.
The Blue & Gold recently experienced a back-to-back series, reveling in a commanding 144-113 victory over Charlotte at the Fieldhouse on Wednesday. However, their momentum was tempered as they succumbed to a 116-103 defeat in Memphis on Thursday, coincidentally in Ja Morant’s initial home game following a 25-game suspension.
In recent times, a shining aspect for the Pacers has been the performance of fourth-year forward Aaron Nesmith. The 24-year-old has solidified his role through relentless defense and unwavering effort, but what stands out even more is his offensive surge this month. Nesmith has consistently hit double figures in scoring, achieving this feat in seven consecutive games and nine out of 10 contests in December. Remarkably, he boasts a shooting accuracy of 55.4 percent from the field and an impressive 51 percent from beyond the arc during this stretch.
Pacers: G – Tyrese Haliburton, G – Buddy Hield, F – Bruce Brown, F – Obi Toppin, C – Isaiah Jackson
Magic: G – Anthony Black, G – Gary Harris, F – Franz Wagner, F – Paolo Banchero, C – Wendell Carter Jr.
For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton is questionable (left ankle sprain) to play the game and Jalen Smith is also questionable (left knee bone bruise/left heel contusion).
As for the Magic, Joe Ingles is questionable (left ankle sprain), Jalen Suggs – questionable (left wrist sprain), Markelle Fultz – out (left knee tendinitis), Kevon Harris – out (coach’s decision), Jett Howard – out (G League assignment)
The Magic asserted their dominance in the opening half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, establishing a commanding lead by outscoring Indiana 78-44 in the initial two quarters, ultimately securing a 128-116 victory. Orlando exhibited a staggering performance in the first quarter with a 42-21 lead and sustained their momentum by winning the second quarter 36-23. The visitors even reached a lead as extensive as 40 points in the second half.
As the game progressed, both teams opted to clear their benches in the fourth quarter. Despite the substantial lead, Indiana’s reserves displayed commendable resilience, staging a comeback to narrow the gap to as close as 11 points before the final buzzer.
In the current regular season, the Pacers and Magic have slated only three encounters, implying that Orlando has the opportunity to claim the season series with a triumph on Saturday. Another face-off is scheduled later in Orlando on March 10. Notably, the Pacers will be donning their City Edition uniforms for Saturday’s game, a wardrobe choice that has proven successful with a flawless 6-0 record this season.
Pacers guard Buddy Hield is on the verge of surpassing Rashard Lewis (1,787 career threes) for the 25th spot on the NBA’s all-time 3-point list, needing just six more successful shots from beyond the arc. Mavericks head coach Jamahl Mosley previously worked as an assistant under Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle’s guidance in Dallas from 2014 to 2021.
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