Last Updated: March 8 at 5:06 PM ET
Matchup
Following a tough loss to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, Indiana has a chance to quickly right the ship with a meeting against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
During Wednesday's 104-84 defeat, the Pacers could never get it going on offense, making just 3-of-23 shots from 3-point range as the Jazz defense clamped down.
But the Jazz entered the meeting one of the NBA's hottest teams. Atlanta (20-45), conversely, enters Friday's game as one of the coldest, losing eight of their last 11 games.
Despite Atlanta's foibles, it didn't stop the Hawks from beating the Pacers just one week ago, as the Hawks withstood a late rally to notch a 107-102 win over the Pacers (37-28).
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Since the All-Star break, Indiana's scoring has dipped down, moving from 106.8 points per game to 99.7. Victor Oladipo in particular has struggled with his shot, hitting on just 24.2 percent of his 3-point looks, down from 38.1 before the break.
"I don't these he's fatigued," explained Pacers head coach Nate McMillan. "I think he's seeing a lot more pressure, these defenders are being more for physical with him, they are making him work to get everything. And we're not getting anything easy in transition."
One silver lining from Wednesday's loss was the impressive outing from Myles Turner, who rebounded from a five-point outing on Monday with a game-high 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting against the Jazz.
Friday night's game will be paramount for the Pacers in terms of playoff positioning in the crowded Eastern Conference. Following their game with the Hawks, Indiana plays four straight teams that are currently in playoff position, including the two top teams in the East (Toronto and Boston).
Banking a win against a struggling Hawks team would allow the Pacers a greater margin for error over the final stretch of their schedule.
Projected Starters
Cory Joseph
Victor Oladipo
Bojan Bogdanovic
Thaddeus Young
Myles Turner
Dennis Schroder
Kent Bazemore
Taurean Prince
John Collins
Dewayne Dedmon
Pacers: PG - Cory Joseph, SG - Victor Oladipo, SF - Bojan Bogdanovic, PF - Thaddeus Young, C - Myles Turner
Hawks: PG - Dennis Schroder, SG - Kent Bazemore, SF - Taurean Prince, PF - John Collins, C - Dewayne Dedmon
Injury Report
Pacers: Darren Collison - will play (left knee arthroscopic surgery rehab)
Hawks: DeAndre' Bembry - out (abdominal strain), Antonius Cleveland - out (left ankle surgery rehab), Malcolm Delaney - out (left ankle sprain)
Last Meeting
February 28, 2018: On the second game of their road trip, the Pacers stumbled against the Atlanta Hawks, falling 107-102.
While Indiana started off the fourth quarter trailing by 20 points, the Blue & Gold mounted an impressive charge, getting the deficit down to just two in the final minutes.
But in crunch time, Atlanta's Dennis Schroder came up big, scoring on three consecutive layups to keep the Hawks in front.
For Indiana, Bojan Bogdanovic led the way offensively, scoring 26 points.
Noteworthy
- The Hawks lead the all-time series, 101-85.
- A win over Atlanta would give the Pacers the season series (3-1).
- Atlanta forward Miles Plumlee was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana and began his NBA career with the Pacers in 2012.
Tickets
The Pacers continue a three-game homestand when they welcome Dennis Schroder and the Atlanta Hawks to Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Friday, March 9 at 7:00 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)
Radio: 107.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)
Please Note: Inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Pacers radio broadcasts can be heard on 1080 AM instead of 1070.
Pacers Team Store Game Night Special
Indy Flex-Fit Hat - $15. The Game Night Special can be purchased at the Pacers Team Store on game day, as well as online from 10:00 AM-Midnight. Order Online »