The Philadelphia 76ers face off against the Indiana Pacers once again tonight, a rematch after their last meeting on November 12th. In the last game, the Sixers outlasted the Pacers’ offensive onslaught, 137-126. Tonight, the Pacers are sure to be looking for revenge on the hottest team in basketball.
Philadelphia is currently enjoying an 8-game win streak, the longest win streak in the entire NBA. The Sixers are also currently sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference, while the Pacers are sitting at third.
Sixers/Pacers Injury Report
Kelly Oubre remains OUT for tonight’s game due to injuries sustained when he was struck by a car as a pedestrian. Nicolas Batum is also OUT for tonight’s game listed under “personal.” Joel Embiid is currently listed as questionable.
Sixers vs. Pacers Game Info
Who: Indiana Pacers (6-4) at Philadelphia 76ers (8-1)
When: 7:00 pm EST
Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA
Watch: NBA League Pass, NBC Sports Philadelphia
Sixers vs. Pacers Betting Info
Spread: Sixers -5 | Pacers +5
Moneyline: Sixers -198 | Pacers +164
Total: 240
What the Sixers must do to win
The Sixers, despite the Pacers’ offensive powerhouse on Sunday, came out with a win thanks to the play of their two superstars Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Embiid, who has been nothing short of dominant to start the year, put up 37 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists, was actually, for the first time in his career, overshadowed by his co-star.
Tyrese Maxey had the single best game of his life and was nothing short of a revelation for the 76ers. The young point guard lovingly nicknamed “The Franchise” put up the first of many 50-point games in his career. He finished the game with 50 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks.
With Joel Embiid potentially being out tonight, Maxey will be the focus for both the Sixers offense and the Pacers defense. While it’s more likely that Maxey doesn’t drop 50 points again tonight, it is vital that Maxey comes out aggressive, looking to score how only he knows how to.
Philadelphia has been an extremely deep team this season. With both Batum and Oubre slated to miss this game, the Sixers bench and how Nick Nurse deploys them will be vital to Philadelphia extending their winning streak.
Between Tobias Harris’s newfound aggression, the energy and leadership from Patrick Beverley, and the improved depth across both wing positions, the 76ers bench has become a legitimate asset for the Sixers. Paul Reed is shooting 57.6% from the field. Robert Covington, Danuel House Jr., and Furkan Korkmaz have all had great moments coming off of the bench.
If the Sixers are to continue this win streak, it will be because of the great depth that has been getting deployed by Coach of the Year candidate Nick Nurse.
