Basketball is back. After the whirlwind that was the All-Star game – both for the Pacers franchise and the city of Indianapolis – the business of winning games resumes tonight. For the Pacers, that means a matchup with divisional rivals the Detroit Pistons.

The rivalry between the clubs needs no introduction. Even people who know nothing about the NBA remember the Brawl. Personally, I sometimes wake up in a cold-sweat after reliving the nightmare that was Tayshaun Prince's chase down block on Reggie Miller.

Despite time moving on, some things never change. The newest installment in the Pacers-Pistons rivalry unfolded during the Rising Stars game when Bennedict Mathurin started bumping gums with Jaden Ivey. Mathurin likes to poke and prod any player that was drafted before him and he let Ivey know in no uncertain terms that he wasn't going to change just because it was an exhibition game.

Mathurin made it clear after the game that the trash talk wasn't a form of disrespect – it's just his way of showing admiration.

The Pacers have been too lax in games against the NBA's bottom feeders. Certainly, dropping this game would be an inauspicious start to the back half of the season. Let's hope that the budding rivalry between Mathurin and Ivey can create enough of a spark that the Pacers bring their A-Game from the jump.

Injuries

Jalen Smith makes his return after struggling with back issues.

As far as Aaron Nemsith, the team is relived to know that his injury is not as severe as they originally expected. They haven't set a timeline for his return but the hope is that it won't keep him out for very long.

It appears both Kendall Brown and Oscar Tshiebwe will be with the team for tonight's contest.

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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