Tonight's game should be dubbed "the return." Or should I say, «le retour», seeing as French-speaking Pascal Siakam is returning to Canada.

This will be Pascal's first game not only against his former team, but also his first time back in front of the fans that supported him as he grew from a player who spent a significant chunk of his rookie season in the G-League to an NBA Champion and All-NBA selection. After seven-plus years in Toronto, Siakam ranks third in franchise history in rebounds (3,324), fifth in scoring (8,875 points) and fifth in games played (510). Without a doubt, he'll go down as one of the best players in franchise history.

That's all to say that tonight's game will be an emotional affair for the Pacers' new star.

Though not necessarily in the form of appreciation and nostalgia, emotions seem to be running high for the entire Pacers' locker room lately. After a disappointing – perhaps, inexcusable – loss to Charlotte on Monday, the Pacers held a players only meeting.

In Tyrese Haliburton's words: "At some point as a group, we've got to grow up... I've got to play better. We've just got to play better top to bottom. We've just got to mature as a group. We have to win these games."

By "these games" he means games against teams at the bottom of the standings.

While this stretch of the season has certainly been a valley, I'm still not losing faith that another peak is not far off. Injuries heal and chemistry takes time. Siakam said as much recently when answering a question about playing with Tyrese Haliburton.

I've just got to like always be ready and we've got to figure out rhythms. Him understanding my rhythms and me understanding also his rhythms... I definitely haven't played with someone like him before, so I'm just learning on the fly and I think the more we're out there, we'll get comfortable.

It's not surprising to hear him take a long term view considering his path to NBA stardom took time to develop. Nobody should benefit from his insight more than Jarace Walker, who is currently having to accept a "trust the process" mentality as he toils in the G-League instead of with the Pacers.

To his credit, Walker seems to be showing maturing and taking advantage of the opportunity he has with the Mad Ants.

Injuries

Injuries continue to plague the Pacers, as they do every team at this time of year. Tonight they will be without Turner, Mathurin, and Smith.

How to Watch

Tipoff is at 7:30 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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