The Los Angeles Lakers (41-32, ninth in the Western Conference) will be facing off against the Indiana Pacers (41-33, sixth in the Eastern Conference) in Indianapolis on Friday at 7 p.m. EDT. The Lakers will be looking to extend their five-game win streak with a victory over the Pacers.
The Pacers have performed well at home with a 21-15 record. They boast the NBA’s top-scoring offense, averaging 122.9 points per game while shooting an impressive 50.5% from the field. On the other hand, the Lakers have struggled on the road with a 14-20 record, and they are 16-22 in games decided by 10 points or more.
Indiana’s shooting percentage of 50.5% is 3.2 percentage points higher than what the Lakers have allowed their opponents to shoot (47.3%). The Lakers have been averaging 11.8 made 3-pointers per game, which is 0.9 more makes per game than the Pacers have given up.
This will be the second matchup between the two teams this season, with the Lakers coming out on top in their last meeting with a score of 150-145 on March 25. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 36 points in that game, while Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 36 points.
Key players to watch in this game include Tyrese Haliburton, who is averaging 20.3 points and 11 assists for the Pacers, and Austin Reaves, who is shooting 48.9% and averaging 16.1 points for the Lakers. Both teams have been performing well in their last 10 games, with the Pacers going 6-4 and averaging 120.7 points per game, while the Lakers are 7-3 and averaging 124.2 points.
In terms of injuries, Bennedict Mathurin is out for the season for the Pacers, while the Lakers are dealing with injuries to Christian Wood, Jarred Vanderbilt, Colin Castleton, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino. Anthony Davis is listed as day to day with a knee injury.