The Indiana Pacers have officially welcomed Pascal Siakam into their family. Right now, they are projected to have a far better season with him on the roster. Things were already great while Tyrese Haliburton led the flock. The Pacers rank seventh in the Eastern Conference with a record of 23 wins and 17 losses. With Siakam, they may transform into potential title contenders.
“Any player that comes to the Pacers will have the opportunity for a life-changing and career-changing situation.”
Coach Carlisle on the opportunities in Indiana. pic.twitter.com/Nw1iOvGu0W
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 18, 2024
They will be headed to the Golden 1 Center to play against the Sacramento Kings. The latter team has also had an exceptional run so far this season. They rank sixth in the Western Conference with a 23-17 record. Here, the Pacers have an overall lead against the Kings with a 52-44 record. This will be their first meeting this season.
Pascal Siakam is listed as doubtful for the Kings vs. Pacers game
With the Pascal Siakam trade finalized, the Pacers have given up two valuable assets, Bruce Brown and Jordan Nwora. Siakam has been averaging 22.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while the Pacers hold the top spot in the league for points per game. They averaged 125.6 points per game with a league-leading 50.8% FG stat.
According to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, Siakam is doubtful to start immediately. Other than him, Aaron Nesmith (shins), Obi Toppin (calf), and Bennedict Mathurin (ankle) have been listed as questionable under day-to-day observation. Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) will most likely be sidelined. The Kings do not have any injuries reported.
Tyrese Haliburton doing some light court work ahead of today’s game in Denver 👀 pic.twitter.com/PGGLmhOLwB
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 14, 2024
Sacramento Kings Injury Report:
NIL
Sacramento Kings Expected Lineup:
- De’Aaron Fox
- Kevin Heurter
- Harrison Barnes
- Keegan Murray
- Domantas Sabonis
Indiana Pacers Injury Report:
- Aaron Nesmith (Questionable)
- Obi Toppin (Questionable)
- Tyrese Haliburton (Questionable)
- Bennedict Mathurin (Questionable)
- Pascal Siakam (Doubtful)
Indiana Pacers Expected Lineup:
- TJ McConnell
- Andrew Nembhard
- Buddy Hield
- Jalen Smith
- Myles Turner
Will the Pacers succeed against the Kings without Pascal Siakam?
Besides not having Pascal Siakam start right away, the Pacers have a couple of major injuries listed out. With Haliburton mostly out of the lineup, they will lose power offensively as he averages 23.6 points per game. Toppin and Mathurin’s availability will be a game-time decision. If they perform tonight, the Pacers will have some leverage against the Kings.
Fox will be the Kings’ biggest asset on the floor as he averages 28 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists with 1.6 steals per game. However, his performances against the Pacers have been quite underwhelming.
there’s a reason his nickname is 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐩𝐚 🦊
VOTE FOX 🌟➡️ https://t.co/0md74BkmKe pic.twitter.com/EZt8iklNhT
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) January 17, 2024
Fox has averaged only 15.5 points against the Pacers in 8 games. Sabonis may have to assist Fox this time, especially since he’s aware of the Pacers’ tendencies being an ex-player of the team. However, the Kings seem like a stronger team overall.