Get ready for an intriguing clash on Saturday in Indianapolis as the Indiana Pacers host the Atlanta Hawks. These teams have experienced vastly different fortunes over the past month.
Indiana Pacers:
- The Pacers come into the game riding high, having won four of their last five games. They enjoyed a stellar January with a 10-2 record, which has catapulted them into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
- Indiana has rediscovered its offensive groove, averaging 134.5 points in its last two victories.
- In their recent 133-119 win over the Detroit Pistons, the Pacers showcased their scoring prowess, shooting 56.8% from the field and hitting 19 of 38 three-point attempts.
- Newly named All-Star Pascal Siakam led the way with 37 points, his highest since being traded from Toronto last season. Siakam is averaging 20.5 points and 7.3 rebounds, having started all 46 games this season.
- Tyrese Haliburton (18.3 points, 8.6 assists per game) and Bennedict Mathurin (16.4 ppg) have been key contributors as well.
- The Pacers swept the four-game season series against the Hawks last year and will look to continue their success.
Atlanta Hawks:
- The Hawks, on the other hand, are in a slump, having lost seven consecutive games since their January 18 win over the Boston Celtics.
- The team has also lost rising star Jalen Johnson for the season due to a torn labrum. Johnson was averaging 18.9 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists before his injury.
- Trae Young, averaging 22.5 points and a league-leading 11.4 assists per game, has taken on more offensive responsibility. Despite his efforts, Young was left off the Eastern Conference All-Star reserve list, much to the disappointment of head coach Quin Snyder.
- In their latest 137-115 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, last year’s top draft pick Zaccharie Risacher stood out with 30 points on 11-for-14 shooting. The 19-year-old averages 11.0 points per game and will compete in the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend in San Francisco.
With the Pacers looking to extend their winning momentum and the Hawks desperate to end their losing streak, this matchup promises to be a compelling contest.
