The Indiana Pacers and the Philadelphia 76ers collide at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers have been in decent form as they've won four of their last six games overall, but they will be looking to bounce back here after coming up short against the red-hot 76ers in a 137-126 road loss on Sunday. Tyrese Haliburton led the team with 25 points and 17 assists, Myles Turner added 22 points and three blocks while Buddy Hield provided the spark off the bench with 16 points off the bench. As a team, the Pacers shot 52 percent from the field and 16 of 39 from the 3-point line as they exploded for 39 points in the third quarter to climb back into the contest after a slow start, only to leak 37 points in the fourth quarter as the 76ers' Tyrese Maxey capped off a 50-point performance.
Philadelphia 76ers
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have been the hottest team in the league with eight wins in their first nine games and they will be aiming for a seventh straight home win after beating the Pacers on Sunday. Tyrese Maxey led the way with 50 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Joel Embiid added 37 points with 13 rebounds and seven assists while Tobias Harris chipped in with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. As a team, the 76ers shot 50 percent from the field and 14 of 33 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 38 points in the first quarter, before they poured in another 37 points in the fourth quarter thanks to a career night from Maxey.
Peter's Pick
The 76ers are still without Nicolas Batum due to personal reasons and they are keeping an eye on Joel Embiid who is questionable due to left hip soreness. It's tempting to automatically go with the 76ers who have won all their six home games so far, but it's always tough playing the same team twice in a row. The Pacers were more than competitive on Sunday and I think they can go one better and at least get the cover in what should be a close one.
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
Mitch's Take...
