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Time For Tip-Off: Magic at Pacers

Dan Savage
Director of Digital News

By: Dan Savage

Game Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, Indiana
TV: None
Radio: ESPN Orlando 580 AM

MATCHUP TO WATCH: Tobias Harris vs. Paul George

Tobias Harris has predominantly played small forward this preseason, but with Indiana testing Paul George at the four, this presents the perfect opportunity for Magic Head Coach Scott Skiles to take a look at one of his smaller lineup combinations.

While there are a number of possibilities on the table, Orlando could roll with a starting group of Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo, Evan Fournier, Harris and Nikola Vucevic and put its versatility on display.

Harris has jumped out to an extremely efficient start to the 2015-16 campaign, knocking down 10 of his 15 shot attempts (66.7 percent), while averaging 11 points in just 21.4 minutes of action.

Should they match up, the Magic’s forward will have his hands full with George, who’s exploded out of the gate. After a 20-point performance in Indiana’s preseason opener, PG13 put to rest any early concerns about his health as he erupted for 32 points to lead the Pacers to a victory over the Pistons.

“For the most part, I feel like my old self again,” George recently explained to Pacers.com.

That’s enough to catch any NBA squad’s attention.

KEY QUOTE:

“We are good. We just have to buy into it and realize we have to have that swagger and mentality that we are good and go out there and execute on both ends of the floor.” – Victor Oladipo on Orlando’s depth.

INJURY UPDATE:

Magic - Aaron Gordon (OUT, jaw)

Pacers – Chase Budinger (OUT, hamstring), George Hill - (OUT, sprained right ankle), Solomon Hill - (OUT, sprained left ankle)

ODDS AND ENDS:

SCOUTING THE PACERS:

Another player to keep an eye on is Joe Young, who was chosen 43rd overall by the Pacers in this year's draft. OrlandoMagic.com's Josh Cohen has more on the challenges he presents right here.

PREGAME VIDEO: