Normally, I put the "injuries" section at the end of the article. Lately though, it's hard not to make it the headline. The Pacers will be shorthanded again – more shorthanded than usual.

Jalen Smith and Andrew Nembhard remain out, Tyrese Haliburton remains questionable (a designation he couldn't overcome against the T-Wolves), while Myles Turner has earned himself a questionable designation of his own.

Though the positives in the post-IST run have been few and far between, one highlight has been seeing Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard play NBA basketball. Unfortunately, the Pacers' availability issues are compounding as the rookies (including Oscar Tshiebwe) will be in Miami for the G-League Winter Showcase and not with the team tonight.

The slumping veterans will have no place to hide tonight. If they get down big like they did against the Bucks, Wizards, and Wolves, they'll have to suffer the indignity of actually playing in the fourth quarter.

The Clippers, for their part, are a formidable opponent. Winners of seven straight and eight of their last ten, it would be fair to call them the hottest team in the league. They are top-ten in both offensive and defensive efficiency, even managing to hold Sacramento under 100 points six days ago. In fact, over the past two weeks, they've outscored teams by an average of 17 points.

The Pacers game plan thus far has been to have the best offense in the league and to play just enough defense to win on the margins. Unfortunately, the offense has dropped out of that top spot and the net has plummeted as a result. The Pacers are now on the negative side of the equation putting them at 21st in the league in point differential. The Clippers are 5th.

That's all to say that whoever suits up for the Blue & Gold tonight has their work cut out for them. The talent on this team is better than it has played since Vegas. Brown and Hield, specifically, are good shooters and water is bound to find its level eventually.

Hopefully that happens tonight.

The Prodigal Son Returns

A certain Clipper has been using his podcast to speak about his time in Indiana, seemingly trying to mend fences with a fanbase that reacted bitterly to his departure.

I'm speaking, of course, about Daniel Theis...

I know Pacers fans are still divided, but we're – what? – four trades removed from the OKC swap. I for one am happy with how things worked out and no longer hold a grudge against Paul. Hopefully he finally receives some love when he takes the floor at Gainbridge.

Also, if you post your favorite restaurants (local or not) in the comments, you'll quickly find your way into my heart.

The 70s

They were cool. That is all.

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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