NBA Game Preview: Philadelphia Sixers (43-37) vs. Indiana Pacers (19-61)

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Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue:
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

This late-season Eastern Conference matchup pits the play-in-contending Philadelphia 76ers against the lottery-bound Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Philadelphia is on the road looking to snap a three-game losing streak and solidify their positioning in the Eastern Conference play-in picture, while Indiana—already eliminated—continues to play out the string with a heavily depleted roster.

Injury Report

Philadelphia 76ers:

Joel Embiid (C) – Out (appendicitis/abdomen – surgery; expected return ~April 20)

Johni Broome (PF) – Out (knee – partial meniscectomy)

Cameron Payne (PG) – Out (hamstring)

Indiana Pacers:

Tyrese Haliburton (PG) – Out for season (Achilles)

Johnny Furphy (F) – Out for season (knee)

Ivica Zubac (C) – Out for season (rib)

T.J. McConnell (G) – Day-to-day / Out (hamstring)

Andrew Nembhard (G) – Day-to-day (back)

Pascal Siakam (F) – Day-to-day / Out (back)

Aaron Nesmith (F) – Day-to-day (neck)

Kobe Brown (F) – Day-to-day (back)

Ben Sheppard (G) – Day-to-day (hip)

The Pacers’ injury list is devastating and leaves them extremely thin across the board. Philadelphia is without its franchise center and some depth but still fields a far more intact and veteran roster.

Player Matchups & Probable Starters

PHI Probable Starters: Tyrese Maxey (PG), VJ Edgecombe (SG), Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF), Paul George (PF), Andre Drummond (C)

IND Probable Starters: Limited healthy bodies; heavy reliance on young/depth pieces such as Jarace Walker, Micah Potter, and available rotation players (exact lineup fluid due to multiple day-to-day statuses).

Key Matchups:

Tyrese Maxey vs. Pacers backcourt (Nembhard/McConnell if active): Maxey’s speed and scoring should overwhelm a makeshift Indiana perimeter defense.

Paul George / Andre Drummond vs. Pacers frontcourt: Philadelphia’s size and experience dominate a depleted and inexperienced Pacers interior.

Bench/Depth: The 76ers’ veteran rotation provides clear advantages in second-unit scoring and rebounding against Indiana’s youth-heavy and injury-riddled group.

Philadelphia’s superior talent and depth should control the game, especially with Indiana missing nearly all of its key rotation pieces.

Recent Team Forms

76ers (5-5 in last 10, but 1-3 in most recent stretch): Philadelphia has dropped three straight (losses to Houston, San Antonio, and Detroit) but remains efficient offensively when healthy. They’ve shown the ability to dominate weaker opponents.

Pacers (roughly 2-8 in last 10): Indiana earned a blowout win over Brooklyn on April 9 but has otherwise struggled mightily, with poor offensive execution and defensive lapses in recent outings.

Series History

Philadelphia leads the 2025-26 season series 3-0 (most recent: 135-114 win on Feb. 24 in Indianapolis; earlier wins of 113-104 and 115-105). The 76ers have taken the last several meetings overall and own a commanding historical edge. Games have typically favored the more complete roster.

Betting Trends

Philadelphia covers as large favorites at a high rate against lottery teams; totals have varied but recent PHI road games and IND home contests have produced moderate scoring.

Game Odds

Philadelphia Sixers         -15.5

Indiana Pacers                  233.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, April 9, 2026