Last Updated: March 17 at 2:30 PM ET
Matchup
The Pacers better get used to playing the Raptors.
After a seven-game playoff series last year, the Pacers have gone the entire season without playing the Toronto Raptors (39-29). But now, with 14 games left in the season, Indiana will play Toronto three times.
The first meeting is on Sunday night at the Air Canada Centre, where the Pacers (35-33) will try to better their postseason standing against a team that made upgrades at the trade deadline.
PLAYOFF PICTURE: Track the Pacers' Playoff Push »
But even with the additions of Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker, the Raptors have still struggled, especially with the loss of Kyle Lowry to wrist surgery. Since March 1st, the Raptors have gone 3-5.
For the Pacers, much of the emphasis on Sunday will be on getting rid of a streak that has followed them since the All-Star break, in which they've alternated wins and losses in 12 consecutive games, tying the franchise record.
If the Pacers can continue the level of play they displayed during the their blowout win over the Hornets, Indiana could be in position to improve its place in the standings.
During the win, George scored a season-best 39 points while the team passed out 26 assists, the most they had accrued in three games.
Furthermore, the Pacers have a rare three full days to prepare for their Sunday meeting, and at practice, Pacers head coach Nate McMillan said his group was thankful for the rest.
"Always good to get some days to get some work in," McMillan said. "Work on your execution and sharpening up."
Projected Starters
Jeff Teague
Paul George
C.J. Miles
Thaddeus Young
Myles Turner
Cory Joseph
DeMar DeRozan
DeMarre Carroll
Serge Ibaka
Jonas Valanciunas
Pacers: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - Paul George, SF - C.J. Miles, PF - Thaddeus Young, C - Myles Turner
Raptors: PG - Cory Joseph, SG - DeMar DeRozan, SF - DeMarre Carroll, PF - Serge Ibaka, C - Jonas Valanciunas
Injury Report
Pacers: Lavoy Allen - questionable (sore left knee)
Raptors: Kyle Lowry - out (right wrist surgery), DeMarre Carroll - questionable (sore left ankle)
Last Meeting
May 1, 2016: In Game 7 of the opening round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, the Raptors withstood a late Pacers rally to win the game 89-84 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.
Indiana entered the fourth quarter trailing by 14, fighting to keep its playoff run alive.
Down the stretch, a dunk from Solomon Hill and a 3-pointer from Monta Ellis silenced the crowd, as the Pacers cut the deficit down to just three points with under three minutes remaining.
But on the other end, Raptors guard Kyle Lowry converted on a layup attempt, giving the Raps the space they needed to clinch the game and series on their home floor.
Noteworthy
- The Raptors and Pacers play three times during the remaining 14 games on the schedule.
- Toronto has acquired Serge Ibaka and P.J. Tucker via trades during the 2016-17 season.
- Both Cory Joseph and P.J. Tucker went to the University of Texas, where Myles Turner played his lone season of college ball.
- The Pacers lead the all-time regular season series between the two teams 45-33.
Tickets
After a road meeting with the Raptors, Indiana returns home to face former Pacers guard George Hill and the Utah Jazz on Monday night. Find Tickets »
Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana/NBA TV - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Pat Boylan (studio host)
Away Game Night Special
Splat Mini Basketball - $10. Game Night Specials can be purchased online the day of each away game from 10:00 AM - Midnight. Order Online »