Well, here we are. The Pacers will trot out a team that looks nothing like the squad that played in the Finals last year. Decimated by injuries, we'll see Ray J Dennis and Mac McClung running the offense for significant minutes. We'll see Ben Sheppard asked to be a creative offensive playmaker. We'll see Pascal Siakam... actually Pascal Siakam will still be our bell cow, just with a heavier load.

The good news is we're taking on a Mavericks team that is going through a rough period of its own. Without Kyrie Irving, the Mavs have been starting Cooper Flagg at point guard and their offensive efficiency is about what you'd expect from a team with a rookie power forward at that position (no matter how talented he might be).

Dallas' size can still cause problems defensively for the Pacers, as their 12th ranked defensive efficiency shows. Though it must be pointed out, how much size they have available will depend on who suits up.

On the bright side, Ben Sheppard has looked like he has a decent handle and the ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. It's true, his shot still betrays him too often for him to be considered a reliable offensive initiator. This was especially the case on Sunday against the Wolves, when he went 0/5 from deep and 2/9 from the floor. But he's being asked to do much more than he's accustomed to and I'm excited to see how he responds now that the team has had a mini-break and a chance to catch its breath.

Siakam, the Last of the Starting Mohicans, has been doing his best Forrest Gump impression and carrying his wounded teammates on his shoulders. His usage rate is 9% higher than it was last year and his efficiency is down as a result. But I won't blame him for missing shots during this stretch where he's being asked to do everything. I just hope that he doesn't wear down too much in the process. We don't need him laid up with Lieutenant Dan and the rest of the boys in the VA hospital.

Injuries

Taelon Peter was upgraded to doubtful. I guess we'll take what we can get at this point.

For the Mavs, Anthony Davis is listed as probable, while Dereck Lively II is doubtful. Kyrie Irving, Dante Exum, and Daniel Gafford are officially out.

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