The Pacers are perfect since the break, winning their third game since All-Star left town against the Mavericks last night. The 133-111 blowout against a red-hot Dallas team was one of the better wins the Pacers have had in months. They were led in scoring by Myles Turner, who matched his jersey number with 33 points. In typical Pacers fashion, they shared the scoring load, with seven players reaching double figures.

Notably, Ben Sheppard had his best offensive performance of the season, shooting 5/5 from deep. Hopefully this kick starts a resurgence for the rookie who was billed as a sniper coming out of Belmont.

Haliburton and Mathurin both had productive games as well, with each recording a double double. While still not the picture of efficiency offensively, Mathurin seems to be doing a better job at contributing in ways other than scoring lately. He put in some good defensive shifts against the Mavericks' stellar backcourt and was extremely active on the glass. Continuing to make an impact without putting the ball in the hole will be paramount if Benn wants to remain a starter.

Speaking of good defensive shifts, Andrew Nembhard is starting to look like the player we imagined he'd be this season. He finished with 15 points on 7/8 shooting while playing hard-nosed perimeter defense. If the Pacers all start getting healthy and clicking at the same time, watch out league.

The Raptors

I assumed when they traded Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby that the Raptors would try to tank the rest of the season. Their draft pick is top-7 protected, so it makes some sense they would try to be as bad as possible. Nevertheless, they've played good basketball since the break.

They destroyed Brooklyn at home on Thursday by a score of 121-93 and then edged out the Hawks in a 123-121 win in Atlanta on Friday. Their young core of Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes are playing fantastically well. Both players keep the ball moving and Toronto ranks third in assists per game as a result.

The Pacers will have to stay disciplined and defend for 24 seconds at a time tonight if they don't want to give up open buckets to this Raptors team.

Injuries

Aaron Nesmith is still out, everyone else is available.

How to Watch

Tonight's game is on NBA TV as well as the local broadcast.

Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.

TV: NBA TV, Bally Sports Indiana, NBA League Pass

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

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