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Game Preview: Pacers vs Mavericks

Last Updated: March 29 at 12:30 PM

Matchup

After splitting a two-game road trip, the Pacers (31-41) return home to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, where they'll host Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks (45-28) on Sunday evening.

George Hill led the Pacers to a come-from-behind win on Wednesday in Washington, then very nearly did the same on Thursday night in Milwaukee. In addition to hitting the game-winning layup, Hill had 29 points, seven rebounds, and dished out nine assists in Wednesday's win. The hometown hero then scored 15 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter on Thursday and went 6-for-10 from 3-point range in the game, though he missed a late triple that would have tied the game.

Though the Pacers have gotten excellent production from Hill and C.J. Miles (who has averaged 21 points over the last two games), injuries are once again piling up to other key members of the lineup. Second-leading scorer Rodney Stuckey has missed three straight games with a sore left calf and starting power forward joined Stuckey on the inactive list on Thursday due to an allergic reaction.

Fortunately for the Blue & Gold, head coach Frank Vogel said at Sunday morning's shootaround that both Stuckey and West will play against the Mavericks.

The Mavericks will make the playoffs in the loaded Western Conference, the only question for them is what seed they get. Dallas is 6-8 over its last 14 games, which has caused the Mavs to slide into seventh place.

Nowitzki is still the heart and soul of their roster, but his supporting cast features several capable players. Leading scorer Monta Ellis it out for Sunday's game, but small forward Chandler Parsons averages over 15 points per game. Dallas has also brought in veterans Rajon Rondo and Amar'e Stoudemire during the season to bolster their rotation.

Projected Starters

George Hill

George Hill

C.J. Miles

C.J. Miles

Solomon Hill

Solomon Hill

David West

David West

Roy Hibbert

Roy Hibbert

Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo

Richard Jefferson

Richard Jefferson

Chandler Parsons

Chandler Parsons

Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki

Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler

Pacers: PG - George Hill, SG - C.J. Miles, SF - Solomon Hill, PF - David West, C - Roy Hibbert
Mavericks: PG - Rajon Rondo, SG - Richard Jefferson, SF - Chandler Parsons, PF - Dirk Nowitzki, C - Tyson Chandler

Hardwood Classics Night

As part of the NBA’s Hardwood Classics program, the Pacers will be wearing their iconic Flo-Jo jerseys on Sunday. Sunday's game will be the fifth of six contests (and the final home game) in which the Pacers will wear the jerseys, which they originally wore from 1990-97, this season. Flo-Jo Photo Galleries, Highlights, and More »

Injury Report

Pacers: Paul George - out (rehabilitation for broken right leg), Rodney Stuckey - probable (sore left calf), David West - probable (allergic reaction)

Mavericks: J.J. Barea - questionable (left ankle sprain), Monta Ellis - out (right lower leg injury)

Last Meeting

November 24, 2014: Playing in his hometown, Pacers point guard Donald Sloan scored 29 points to lead Indiana to a 111-100 road win over the Mavericks. Sloan made 10-of-14 shots, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range.

Six other Pacers players scored in double figures in the win as the team shot 48.1 percent from the field. Luis Scola collected a double-double, tallying 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Monta Ellis led the Mavericks with 24 points and six assists. Dirk Nowitzki added 22 points and 11 rebounds.

Noteworthy

  • The Pacers are looking to sweep the regular season series with the Mavericks for just the seventh time in the history of the series.
  • Dallas leads the overall series 39-27, and the series is tied 16-16 all-time in games played in Indiana.
  • Pacers point guard C.J. Watson needs 13 rebounds to reach 1,000 in his career.

Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »

TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 107.5/1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)

Tickets

Good seats still remain for Sunday's game against Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks. Reserve your seats now: Find Tickets »

Bankers Life Fieldhouse Improvements Underway

Starting the week of Feb. 2, concession stands located outside of Sections 5 and 14 on the Main Concourse and Sections 215 and 231 on the Balcony Level will be temporarily closed. Fans sitting in these sections are asked to please visit other nearby concession stands. More Info »

Home Court Gift Shop Game Night Special

Gold Pacers Polos - $25. Game Night Specials can be purchased in the Home Court Gift Shop or any of our souvenir stands located on all levels of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Please shop online also at PacersGear.com.