Pascal Siakam is set to go up against his former team for the first time when the Indiana Pacers clash with the host Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.
Siakam, a Raptors stalwart for seven-plus seasons, was traded to Indiana on Jan. 17. He won a championship with Toronto back in 2019 and ranks third in franchise history in rebounds (3,324), fifth in scoring (8,875 points) and fifth in games played (510).
Both Toronto and Indiana are coming off losses on Monday.
Siakam scored 18 points for the Pacers in a 111-102 setback against the host Charlotte Hornets, while the Raptors were humiliated by the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 122-99.
Both teams faced criticism from their respective coaches for their lackluster performances.
There was a similar reaction in Toronto.
Scottie Barnes had a poor scoring night for Toronto on Monday. He made just 3 of 15 shots en route to seven points, also grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out nine assists.
Toronto seemed intimidated by Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who had a career-best 10 blocked shots to go with 27 points and 14 rebounds.
Toronto’s top scorer was rookie Gradey Dick, who had 18 points.
Bruce Brown, part of the Siakam trade, had 12 points for Toronto on Monday.
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton had strong words after the loss to Charlotte.
Haliburton had 13 points and 12 assists vs. the Hornets.
Siakam has slowly been establishing chemistry with Haliburton, the NBA’s leader in assists per game (11.7) this season.
Wednesday marks the second meeting of the season between the teams. Toronto defeated Indiana 132-131 on Nov. 22 in Indianapolis. Siakam had 36 points and 10 rebounds for the Raptors.
