The Pacers are still looking for their first win of the Pascal Siakam era. It would be fitting if it came against Pascal's longtime head coach Nick Nurse, under whom he won a ring in Toronto.
Nurse had nothing but positive things to say about Pascal in the media sessions leading up to tonight's matchup. He reminisced about the growth he saw from Siakam during their time together – a reminder of the example the Pacers' new star can set for the young players on the roster.
Nurse on Siakam: "He was such an interesting prospect when he arrived. So full of energy and speed and awesome love of the game. ... Came in as a rookie and just was playing so hard."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) January 25, 2024
Nurse: "He had maybe 3 or 5 or8 3s in his whole college career. Shooting need some work. And man he went to work on it."
— Dustin Dopirak (@DustinDopirak) January 25, 2024
The Pacers and Sixers have faced off twice this season already, splitting the games. Nevertheless, with Pascal in the mix and Tyrese out of it, this feels like a grudge match and more like something new.
Philly is really good. On the season, they are top ten in both offense and defense.
If we just look at current form, things don't get any rosier for the Pacers. Philly has the 4th best point differential over that time and has won six of six.
Behind the brilliance of Joel Embiid – who dropped a measly 70 points in their last outing – the Sixers have an inside-outside game that is hard to stop. In the first matchup against the Pacers, Tyrese Maxey was unconscious from three. Something we hope doesn't happen again.
Meanwhile, the Pacers have been struggling over the same stretch. Without Tyrese Haliburton playing, the erstwhile best offense in league has been decidedly average. While the defense has picked up slack, it hasn't been enough to win games at a rate that pleases anyone rooting for the Blue & Gold.
Yesterday was the first opportunity for Pascal to practice with the team since he joined the Pacers. Rick Carlisle has mentioned that they are still trying to figure out how to best deploy him – but also touted Pascal's ability to fit into any system and still produce. It sounds like we might see him have more ball handling duties as his familiarity with his teammates and the playbook grows.
Sounds like Pascal Siakam could be handling the ball a little bit more tonight with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined. Rick Carlisle currently talking about the adjustment of a star player joining a new team.
— Tony East (@TonyREast) January 25, 2024
Injuries
Jalen Smith is back available after sitting out vs. Denver. He will come off the bench.
Injury Report for tonight's game vs Philadelphia:
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 25, 2024
Jalen Smith - Available (lower back spasms)
Kendall Brown - Available (G League two-way)
Oscar Tshiebwe - Available (G League two-way)
Tyrese Haliburton - Out (left hamstring strain injury management) pic.twitter.com/AOXvL5ZgP9
For Philly, Tobias Harris is out. At least the Pacers won't have to worry about another big wing tearing them apart... hopefully.
How to Watch
Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.
TV: Bally Sports Indiana, NBA League Pass
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan
See ya in the comments!
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