Matchup
After falling to Kobe Bryant and the Lakers in the final seconds on Sunday night, the Pacers (13-22) will look to bounce back on Monday night in Utah against the Jazz (12-22).
Indiana had won two straight games and five of seven before Sunday's 88-87 loss to the Lakers. After that result, the Blue-and-Gold are now tied with Boston for ninth place in the Eastern Conference, two games back of Miami for the eighth and final playoff spot.
Utah's record is only a half-game worse than Indiana's, but the Jazz are 13th in the Western Conference standings, seven games back of eighth-place Phoenix.
Getting to the free throw line and keeping their opponent off the charity stripe has been a consistent problem for the Pacers all season. Indiana has attempted fewer free throws than their opponents in 25 of 35 games this season. On Sunday night in L.A., the Lakers were +15 from the charity stripe, going 28-for-30 while the Blue-and-Gold were attempted just 18 free throws, making 13.
Fatigue could be a major factor in Monday's game. The Jazz will have an extra day of rest, while the Pacers will be playing the second leg of a back-to-back. Indiana's backcourt depth has taken a major hit with starting point guard George Hill and backup C.J. Watson missing the past two games due to injury. Hill is out for Monday's game as well, while Waton's status is uncertain. In their absence, Donald Sloan has handled a heavy load, playing 36+ minutes Sunday night. Rodney Stuckey has also seen increased minutes, shifting over to the point to back up Sloan in addition to his normal role at shooting guard.
Utah is playing well as of late. The Jazz have won six of their last nine games. Former Brownsburg and Butler standout Gordon Hayward leads the team in scoring, averaging 18.9 points per game. Forward Derrick Favors is a nightly double-double threat, averaging 15.4 points and 8.4 rebounds.
Projected Starters
Donald Sloan
Rodney Stuckey
Solomon Hill
David West
Roy Hibbert
Trey Burke
Joe Ingles
Gordon Hayward
Derrick Favors
Rudy Gobert
Pacers: PG - Donald Sloan, SG - Rodney Stuckey, SF - Solomon Hill, PF - David West, C - Roy Hibbert
Jazz: PG - Trey Burke, SG - Joe Ingles, SF - Gordon Hayward, PF - Derrick Favors, C - Rudy Gobert
Injury Report
Pacers: Paul George - out (rehabilitation, fractured right tibia/fibula), Ian Mahinmi - out (torn left plantar fascia), George Hill - out (left groin strain), C.J. Watson - questionable (sore left foot)
Jazz: Alec Burks – out (left shoulder injury), Patrick Christopher – out (dislocated right patella), Rodney Hood – out (left foot inflammation), Enes Kanter – out (sprained right ankle), Trey Burke - questionable (illness)
Last Meeting
November 11, 2014: The Pacers snapped a six-game losing streak with a 97-86 win over the Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Roy Hibbert scored 29 points on the night, one short of his career high. Just four days after signing with Indiana, A.J. Price scored 15 of his 22 points in the game's final 13 minutes to help seal the victory.
Gordon Hayward led Utah with 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Enes Kanter added 18 points for the guests, while Derrick Favors contributed 13 points and eight rebounds.
Noteworthy
- The Blue-and-Gold have won three straight games against Utah and five of the last six overall.
- The Pacers lead the all-time series with the Jazz 40-39, but hold just a 10-23 record all-time at Utah.
- Indiana snapped a six-game road losing streak against the Jazz last season, winning in Utah for the first time since Nov. 29, 2005.
Broadcast Information
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), Pat Boylan (studio host)