In a divisional showdown, the Toronto Raptors, with a 21-36 record, face the 32-25 Indiana Pacers on Monday night.
The Raptors, riding the momentum of a recent road win over the Atlanta Hawks, are looking for their third straight victory. Meanwhile, the Pacers, coming off a win over the Detroit Pistons, face the Dallas Mavericks before hosting Toronto.
Raptors Seek Third Straight Victory
The season series has seen both teams secure wins on the road, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown. Toronto enters a brief road trip showing newfound confidence, having emerged victorious in three of their last four games.
Notably, they dominated the Brooklyn Nets 121-93 at home and posted a narrow 123-121 road win over the Hawks as 7.5-point underdogs on Friday.
Covering the line in three of their last five games, the Raptors are showing signs of resiliency. However, RJ Barrett's availability remains uncertain due to a knee injury.
Acquired in December from the New York Knicks, the 23-year-old has contributed significantly, averaging 19 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game.
Scottie Barnes, showing efficiency with a field goal shooting percentage above 50% in four of his last five games, scored 20 points Friday and maintains averages of 20 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Notably, he boasts a solid 24.5-point average in two games against the Pacers this season.
Immanuel Quickley's outstanding 24-point performance in the recent win adds to the Raptors' offensive strength. The 24-year-old guard has been consistent, averaging 15.8 points per game.
Despite their recent success, the Raptors have struggled on the road, losing three of their last five games away from home.
Their offensive production averages 114.2 points, ranking them 19th, but defensive concerns arise as they have conceded at least 119 points in four of their last five games, allowing an average of 117.4 points and 20th in the league.
Facing the Pacers, Toronto looks to extend its winning streak and improve its performance on the road.
Monday night hoops 🏀
It's @TangerineHoops Raptors Game Day
⌚️: 7:00pm
📺: @TSN_Sports
📻: @TSN1050Radio pic.twitter.com/eQDLZAlkcl- Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) February 26, 2024
Pacers End Streak At Home
Concluding a four-game home stand Monday night, the Pacers enter the showdown with momentum, securing two straight wins before Sunday's home game against the Mavericks.
Ranked sixth in the conference, an important position that guarantees the final spot to avoid the play-in round, Indiana showed dominance as a 12-point favorite in a solid 129-115 home win over the Pistons on Thursday.
His recent performance includes covering the margin in two of the last five clashes.
Tyrese Haliburton continues to be a consistent contributor, racking up at least 21 points in four of the last five games leading up to Sunday night.
The 23-year-old point guard is averaging an impressive 21.9 points per game on 49% shooting accuracy on the season. Notably, he has averaged 27 points in two games against the Raptors.
Pascal Siakam, showing prowess with a 23-point performance against his former team earlier this month, continues to shine in a Pacers jersey.
The 29-year-old power forward maintains an impressive average of 21.9 points per game. Myles Turner, the 27-year-old center, has shown efficiency by shooting at least 50% in four of the last five contests, contributing an average of 17.1 points per game.
Indiana's home performance in the last five games through Sunday night is 3-2, with only one game covering the spread in that span.
Offensively, the Pacers have excelled, topping 125 points in three of the last four meetings, while maintaining an impressive 123.8-point average that leads the NBA.
Defensively, however, they give up an average of 122.2 points, ranking them 28th in the league. As the home stand concludes, the Pacers look to maintain their offensive prowess and secure a vital victory.