3 Biggest X-Factors For Pacers to Take Down Brooklyn Nets

The Indiana Pacers came into the new NBA season ready to take over their spot in the Eastern Conference as a top team. While the team hasn't played that well, it's still early on in the new year for Indiana.

But the Pacers just lost star guard Tyrese Haliburton for the next two weeks due to a hamstring injury. Haliburton had made his return from a torn Achilles this year, making this new injury a blow to the Pacers' overall team.

Indiana will be taking on the Brooklyn Nets later tonight, giving the team its second chance to take on this team. The Pacers were able to take down Brooklyn by a score of 136-109 recently, and the team will likely use this game plan again today.

Without Haliburton, it will be tougher, but the Pacers should still be able to take care of business if they execute. Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for Indiana to defeat Brooklyn for a second time this season, but this time at home.

1. Pascal Siakam Steps Up

With Haliburton on the shelf now, Siakam will be counted on even more over the next few weeks. The veteran forward has played well for this team so far this year, but Indiana is going to need him even more going forward.

Against Brooklyn last time, Siakam scored 21 points over 26 minutes on the floor. Indiana may need more from him in this game if the team wants to grab the win again.

2. Andrew Nembhard Steps Up

With the Pacers dealing with all sorts of injuries, guard Andrew Nembhard is going to have to step up. Against the Miami Heat last time out, Nembhard scored 22 points in the loss, giving the team a nice scoring presence.

Against the Nets, Indiana needs the guard to keep this up, providing a spark to get a win. Brooklyn can be a feisty team, even if not seen as a contender, and the Pacers will need guys like Nembhard to put together a strong showing.

3. Keep Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle at Bay

While the Nets aren't seen as a top team in the league, they can be a feisty unit in any given game. Both Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle can score the ball, so Indiana will need to make sure to limit both players' chances.

The Nets have a scrappy team, but the Pacers can't afford to drop games against them, especially early in the year. Indiana will be tested in this game, especially on defense against this Brooklyn offense.