The last Pacers game of 2025 takes place this evening. What can you say about the year other than, to quote Dickens, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times?”

The Pacers run to the finals this spring was one of the most magical stretches I’ve experienced in my sports loving life. It felt like destiny as each improbable comeback and Haliburton buzzer beater stacked on top of the one that came before. We were, easily, the most fun team in the league. Our supporters marveled at how we seemed to be fueled by the power of friendship. Our haters memed about the deals we made with the devil.

When Tyrese Haliburton’s achilles snapped and our championship dreams evaporated into thin air, it was hard to understand just how bad things would get. Much like the comeback victories, we’ve endured a chain reaction of injuries that seem to defy the laws of probability. The emotional and physical toll of our luck running out has brought us to where we are today: losers of nine straight and on pace for a sub-twenty-win season.

Perhaps with Orlando in town we’ll get to experience some Disney magic once more. It would be nice to feel like Cinderella again, even if it’s only until the clock strikes midnight and we turn back into pumpkins in 2026.

Orlando is an average team. They are 4-6 over their last ten and 18-15 on the year. Despite years of trying to add shooting, they still struggle from outside and resort to taking the majority of their shots at the rim. Packing the paint and preventing transition opportunities will be key to tonight’s defensive game plan. Unfortunately, they are still extremely long and athletic and will muck the game up for the Pacers.

Injuries

Lots of big names on the Magic’s injury report below. McConnell looks set to return to action tonight for the Blue and Gold.

How to Watch

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Early tip!

Tipoff is at 3:00 PM ET.

TV: FanDuel Sports Network, NBA League Pass

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

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