Pacers vs. Raptors Game Preview
Pacers Look to Snap Road Skid Against Raptors
Toronto, Canada – The Indiana Pacers (10-12) will face off against the Toronto Raptors (13-9) tonight at Scotiabank Arena, hoping to end a frustrating four-game road losing streak.
The Pacers are coming off a tough loss to the Boston Celtics, while the Raptors are riding a two-game winning streak. Both teams are looking to solidify their position in the competitive eastern Conference.
Indiana will need to find a way to contain Toronto’s dynamic backcourt duo of Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr., who have been leading the Raptors’ offensive charge.
“They’re a tough matchup,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “VanVleet is a crafty veteran, and Trent Jr. can really heat up from three-point range. We need to be disciplined defensively and make sure we’re contesting every shot.”
The Pacers will be looking for a big game from their star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been averaging over 20 points and 10 assists per game this season.”Tyrese is our engine,” Carlisle said. “He needs to be aggressive and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.”
Injury Report:
The Pacers will be without starting center Myles Turner, who is sidelined with a sprained ankle. The raptors are expected to be at full strength.
Key Matchup:
The battle between Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin and Raptors forward Scottie Barnes will be one to watch.both young players are explosive athletes with the potential to take over the game.
Prediction:
This is a tough matchup for the Pacers, who are struggling on the road. The Raptors have the edge in experience and home-court advantage.
Raptors 112, Pacers 105
Pacers Hope to Halt Road Woes against Hot Raptors
Toronto, Canada: The Indiana Pacers (10-12) aim to snap a four-game road losing streak when they visit the Toronto Raptors (13-9) tonight at Scotiabank Arena.
Indiana enters the matchup on the heels of a loss to the boston Celtics, while the Raptors carry a two-game winning streak. Both teams are vying for positioning within the crowded Eastern Conference standings.
Containing the Raptors’ dynamic backcourt duo of Fred VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr. will be crucial for Indiana. “They’re a tough matchup,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “VanVleet is a crafty veteran, and Trent Jr. can really heat up from three-point range. We need to be disciplined defensively and make sure we’re contesting every shot.”
The Pacers will rely on star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has averaged over 20 points and 10 assists per game this season. “Tyrese is our engine,” Carlisle said.”He needs to be aggressive and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.”
Injury Report:
Pacers center Myles Turner (sprained ankle) is out.
* Raptors are expected to be at full strength.
Key Matchup:
The matchup between Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin and Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, two explosive young athletes, will be one to watch.
Prediction:
The Raptors are favored, given their home-court advantage and recent success.
Raptors 112, Pacers 105