A preview of Friday's game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers.
The Philadelphia 76ers (43-37) are facing off against the Indiana Pacers (19-61) on Friday night at 7:30 PM ET in Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Philadelphia is coming fresh off an 11-point loss to Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. That game was arguably the most important of the season, as the 76ers are now in jeopardy of being locked into the Play-In Tournament. Prior to falling short against the Rockets, the Sixers lost to the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs.
Meanwhile, the Pacers are actively looking to secure a top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, being defeated in eight of their last 11 matchups. They are, however, coming off a dominant 29-point victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
Key Matchups:
Paul George vs. Obi Toppin
This being a key matchup goes to show how easily the 76ers should be able to emerge victorious. Toppin is, however, coming off a 26-point, nine-rebound performance against the Brooklyn Nets. George needs to contain him at a much higher level than the Nets did in order to ensure this game is a blowout as it should be.
Tyrese Maxey vs. Pacers Guards
Maxey has looked a bit rusty since returning from his injury, making this the perfect game to get back on track. Indiana is without its top four guards, so Maxey should have no problems finding a groove on the offensive end.
Injury Report:
76ers
Johni Broome: Out - Right Knee; Surgery Recovery
Joel Embiid: Out - Post Surgery; Recovery
Tyrese Maxey: Available - Right Finger; Tendon Strain - Splint
Cameron Payne: Out - Right Hamstring; Strain
Pacers
Kobe Brown: Questionable - Lumbar; Sprain
Johnny Furphy: Out - Right ACL; Tear
Tyrese Haliburton: Out - Right Achilles Tendon; Tear
T.J. McConnell: Out - Bilateral Hamstring; Injury Management
Andrew Nembhard: Out - Thoracic and Lumbar; Injury Management
Aaron Nesmith: Out - Cervical; Strain
Ben Sheppard: Questionable - Right Hip; Sprain
Pascal Siakam: Out - Left Ankle; Sprain
Jarace Walker: Questionable - Sacral; Contusion Ivica Zubac: Out - Rib; Fracture
How Each Team Can Emerge Victorious:
76ers
Don't allow the game against the Houston Rockets and Joel Embiid's absence to lead to a loss of focus or confidence.
Pacers
Are the Pacers even trying to win this game?
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