Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers had an outstanding previous game. The reigning MVP had an outburst of 70 points and 18 rebounds which spoon-fed the Sixers a victory. However, the Sixers weren’t perfect either as they shot miserably from deep averaging 25% on 20 attempts. They will have to correct themselves in this area before heading over the Indianapolis.
The Indiana Pacers will be hosting the Sixers at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. After making a blockbuster move and acquiring Pascal Siakam, they’ve gone on a 1-3 run. Siakam seems to be finding it hard to fit in while Tyrese Haliburton continues to recover from injuries. Indiana lacked defense in their previous game, leading to their third straight loss.
Joel Embiid is available to start for the Pacers vs. Sixers game
The reigning MVP has been averaging outstanding numbers this season putting up 36.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists with 1.2 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. Embiid has already missed 10 games this season. He has only five games left to spare before he gets removed from running for regular-season accolades. Luckily, he is available for tonight’s game.
the process is processing . . . pic.twitter.com/4G4nj3ddQB
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 23, 2024
Philadelphia 76ers Injury Report:
- Jaden Springer (Probable)
- Marcus Morris (Probable)
- Mo Bamba (Out)
- Tobias Harris (Questionable)
- Robert Covington (Out)
- De’Anthony Melton (Out)
- Kenneth Lofton Jr. (Assigned to G League)
Philadelphia 76ers Expected Lineup:
- Patrick Beverley
- Tyrese Maxey
- Kelly Oubre Jr.
- Nicolas Batum
- Joel Embiid
Indiana Pacers Injury Report:
- Jalen Smith (Questionable)
- Tyrese Haliburton (Out)
Indiana Pacers Expected Lineup:
- TJ McConnell
- Buddy Hield
- Aaron Nesmith
- Pascal Siakam
- Myles Turner
The Pacers will be missing out on Haliburton yet again. Head Coach Rick Carlisle claimed that he will miss the Pacers’ next three games. Haliburton will be re-evaluated once again following the Pacers’ upcoming matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
Indiana Pacers vs. Philadelphia 76ers Game Prediction
The Indiana Pacers have been arguably the best offensive team in the league. However, with Haliburton’s injury, the team has taken a major step back from winning consistent games. Both teams have met twice earlier this season and hold a 1-1 record against each other.
In their first game, Maxey scored an incredible 50 points while Joel Embiid added 37 points to the total score. However, during these back-to-back games, the Pacers learned that they had to restrict the Sixers’ deep-range shots. Indiana ended up restricting the Sixers to 27.3% on 22 attempts from deep. Even in the Sixers’ latest game, they shot miserably from the arc.
Pascal Siakam locked him down to close the half 🔒 pic.twitter.com/GWfxkglnbU
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 22, 2024
However, considering that Embiid is currently on a major scoring spree, he might be the key player against the Pacers. Maxey is averaging 38.5 points against the Pacers this season as well. The Sixers have to milk their offenses to emerge victorious.
Based on how the Pacers have been performing lately in Haliburton’s absence, it doesn’t seem like they will be able to overcome the Sixers. Siakam would have to work hard to score the ball while Turner handles the team defensively. The Sixers have a good chance of winning this game.