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Game Preview: Pacers at Lakers

Last Updated: Jan. 19 at 10:45 AM ET

Matchup

Jeff Teague is showing he can make a lot with a little.

During Indiana's rollicking 22-point comeback win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night, Teague piled up 22 points and 11 assists on just six field goal attempts.

Thanks to his 11 made free throws, the point guard scored 22 or more points on six or fewer field goal attempts for just the 17th time since the 1982-83 season, when field goal attempts were officially recorded in the record books.

Teague's distribution and attacking helped open up Indiana's offense, allowing the Pacers (22-19) to tipoff their three-game west coast swing with an emphatic win. The late start surely caused some surprise to fans that went to bed when Indiana trailed by 22 in the first half, waking up to the pleasent news of a 24-point night from George, a 20-point output in 17 minutes from Al Jefferson, and a memorable late game execution that saw Teague find Myles Turner for an open dunk in the final moments.

Now the Pacers continue their road trip in California, flying to Los Angeles to square off against the struggling Lakers (15-31), losers of five consecutive games.

The matchup offers a chance for Indiana to bank another win before its Saturday showdown against one of the top teams in the West, the Utah Jazz. But Wednesday's win, while exciting, hasn't cured the Pacers of their road woes, where the group is still just 6-14 on the season.

Against the Lakers on Friday, during yet another 10:30 PM ET tipoff, Indiana will look to avoid some of the pitfalls that put them behind the eight ball against the Kings, such as allowing 34 points in the opening quarter.

During the Pacers' recent stretch of solid play, which has seen them capture seven of their last eight, Paul George has been a constant threat, averaging 22.6 points, four rebounds, and 3.1 assists over the eight-game span.

As a team, the Pacers have compiled the fifth-highest net rating in the NBA over the eight game span, including an offensive efficiency of 114.9.

Wednesday's win marked the exact halfway point of the 2016-17 season, and with the Pacers at a season-best three games over .500, things appear to be falling in place at an ideal time for Indiana.

Projected Starters

Jeff Teague

Jeff Teague

Glenn Robinson III

Glenn Robinson III

Paul George

Paul George

Thaddeus Young

Thaddeus Young

Myles Turner

Myles Turner

D'Angelo Russell

D'Angelo Russell

Nick Young

Nick Young

Brandon Ingram

Brandon Ingram

Julius Randle

Julius Randle

Timofey Mozgov

Timofey Mozgov

Pacers: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - Glenn Robinson III, SF - Paul George, PF - Thaddeus Young, C - Myles Turner
Lakers: PG - D'Angelo Russell, SG - Nick Young, SF - Brandon Ingram, PF - Julius Randle, C - Timofey Mozgov

Injury Report

Pacers: Rodney Stuckey - out (left hamstring strain)

Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. - out (bone bruise, left knee)

Last Meeting

November 1, 2016: The Lakers put a scare into the home crowd at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, rallying from 16 down to tighten the game in the final moments. But thankfully for the Pacers, Paul George ensured the game would fall into the win column.

George rallied the Pacers late, pushing them to a 115-108 win over the Lakers.

Trailing 106-105, Pacers head coach Nate McMillan called a timeout in an attempt to steady his starting unit. On the next three offensive possessions, Paul George sank jumpers from the wings, sending the crowd into frenzy when his third one fell in to give the Pacers a 111-108 lead with 1:08 remaining in the game.

George finished the night with a team-high 30 points, while Jeff Teague pitched in six assists in the winning effort.

Noteworthy

  • The Pacers have won three consecutive games against the Lakers and eight of their last 10.
  • If Indiana wins, it will complete a series sweep of Los Angeles for just the fourth time in the history of the series.
  • The Pacers are shooting a league-best 81.9 percent from the free throw line. The Lakers rank 19th, shooting 76.1 from the stripe.

Tickets

The Pacers return home following their Western Conference swing on Monday, Jan. 23 for a primetime matchup with the New York Knicks. Tipoff is slated for 8:00 PM ET. Find Tickets »

Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »

TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)ESPN - Dave Pasch (play-by-play), Jon Barry (analyst)
Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Austin Croshere (analyst), Pat Boylan (studio host)

Away Game Night Special

Storm Long Sleeve Tee - $15. Game Night Specials can be purchased online the day of each away game from 10:00 AM - Midnight. Order Online »