Pacers Seek Redemption Against Struggling Wizards

The Indiana Pacers return home this Sunday to host the Washington Wizards at 5 p.m. Eastern Time, following a challenging three-game road stint. Currently on a three-game losing streak, the Pacers hold a 6-10 record. Despite these struggles, they are set to face the Wizards, who are at the bottom of the league standings with a 2-12 record. The Wizards are led by Jordan Poole, who is averaging 21.2 points per game, along with 4.9 assists, and shooting 44.3% from beyond the arc.

The recent downturn for the Pacers includes a significant loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, a team they triumphed over in the past season’s playoff series. Despite the defeat, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle noted improvements in the team’s unity and competitive spirit. The absence of key players like Tyrese Haliburton, coupled with injuries to defensive stalwarts Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, and Ben Sheppard, has strained both defense and offensive connectivity.

For Sunday’s clash, the Pacers are anticipated to recover as they face the Wizards, who are on a discouraging 10-game losing streak. Las Vegas odds place the Pacers as 11.5-point favorites, with a 73.2% predicted chance of winning. The over/under is set at 241.5 total points.

The injury lists for both teams continue to affect their line-ups. The Pacers’ Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman are both sidelined with Achilles tendon injuries. Meanwhile, the Wizards will miss Saddiq Bey due to an ACL surgery and Tristan Vukcevic is out with a knee contusion.

Fans can catch the game live with commentary from Chris Denari, Quinn Buckner, and sideline reports by Jeremiah Johnson. The game will be broadcast on local sports networks and also available for streaming.

The upcoming schedule is busy for both teams as the Pacers will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, followed by an away game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. The Wizards will return home to play against the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers later in the week.