The Indiana Pacers are revamped and ready to unload for the rest of the season. They recently acquired 2x NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam, which is probably the biggest trade this season. However, they will need to work hard over the next few months as they rank seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 24-17 record. While they are still a Play-In Tournament team, Siakam could get them out of the rubble.
ball movement 🔥
Ben Sheppard throws it up ↗️
Obi Toppin throws it down ↘️ pic.twitter.com/6kn8oouEX7— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 19, 2024
The Portland Trail Blazers are next in line to face the Pacers. Portland has not been having a great season as expected following the trade that took place over the summer. They rank 14th in the Western Conference with a 11-29 record. Both have played against each other 99 times in the past with the Blazers having a 61-38 lead over the Pacers. Portland already has one win against the Pacers this season as well.
Pascal Siakam is listed as doubtful for the Blazers vs/. Pacers game
Pascal Siakam was traded from the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, however, he did not make his debut against the Pacers’ most recent road game. He is still listed as doubtful but sources have stated that he is expected to make his debut against the Blazers tonight.
excited to be in Indy 👊
Pascal Siakam has touched down in Indianapolis. pic.twitter.com/ycxOpD4ekZ
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 18, 2024
The Pacers will have Isaiah Jackson sidelined for the game as he suffered from a head injury recently. Andrew Nembhard (back) and Aaron Nesmith (shins) will not play against the Blazers. Tyrese Haliburton has also been ruled out of the game due to a hamstring injury.
The Blazers have listed Deandre Ayton as probable due to a knee ailment. Shaedon Sharpe will be re-evaluated in two weeks after enduring a knee-thigh injury. Moses Brown underwent a successful left shoulder surgery. Sources claim they will be re-evaluated in six weeks maximum. Robert Williams III will miss the remainder of the season.
Portland Trail Blazers Injury Report:
- Deandre Ayton (Probable)
- Shaedon Sharpe (Out)
- Moses Brown (Out)
- Robert Williams III (Out)
Portland Trail Blazers Expected Lineup:
- Malcolm Brogdon
- Anfernee Simons
- Jerami Grant
- Toumani Camara
- Jabari Walker
Indiana Pacers Injury Report:
- Aaron Nesmith (Out)
- Isaiah Jackson (Out)
- Andrew Nembhard (Out)
- Pascal Siakam (Doubtful)
- Tyrese Haliburton (Out)
Indiana Pacers Expected Lineup:
- TJ McConnell
- Buddy Hield
- Bennedict Mathurin
- Jalen Smith
- Myles Turner
Will the Pacers surpass the Blazers without Pascal Siakam?
With the Pacers, there is more firepower to work with in terms of offense. Besides Haliburton, who is averaging 23.6 points and 12.5 assists per game, they have around rotational players who also averaged well over 10 points per game. The Pacers lead the league in scoring putting up 125.6 points per game. They also have the highest field goal percentage, shooting 50.9% consistently.
HIM. HIMOTHY. HIM JONES. HIMMY NEUTRON. THE HIMM REAPER. HIM POSSIBLE. HIMBO SLICE. pic.twitter.com/FAFw7Hc4Uz
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 18, 2024
But with their MVP-caliber guard and Pascal Siakam potentially missing the game, the Pacers could be in deep waters. The Blazers have two scoring threats on the team in Simons and Grant. However, they will be facing issues on defense with Ayton out of the lineup. The Pacers may emerge up top in the matchup.