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The Pacers will roll out their Hickory Pacers uniforms on Thursday night when they play the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center.
After winning the first two games of their road trip without Victor Oladipo, the Pacers will try to make it three consecutive, but the Lakers present and added degree (or two) of difficulty.
For one, LeBron James. Also, their starting unit is loonnnng and active, not unlike the Suns (but you know, LeBron). Lonzo Ball is questionable but expects to play at 6’6 with a 6’9 wingspan. Then at 6’9 both Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma combine with JaVale McGee for well over 21 feet of combined wingspan.
No matter how the Pacers matchup, they will be playing small. But when the Pacers play well they are efficient and can nullify any size differences with effort and hoops IQ. They will need that combo in bulk without Oladipo to provide his offensive firepower.
Depth should favor the Pacers, if Tyreke Evans shows up for his turn under the bright lights in L.A. to complement Domas Sabonis on the reserve unit. We know Lance Stephenson will show up for the Lakers reserves and his role may expand if Lonzo Ball is unable to go.
Game Information:
Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
When: 10:30 p.m. ET
TV: FOX Sports Indiana
Radio: 107.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan
Projected Starting Lineups:
Pacers: Darren Collison, Tyreke Evans, Bojan Bogdanovic, Thaddeus Young, Myles Turner
Lakers: Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, LeBron James, Kyle Kuzma, JaVale McGee
Injury update:
IND: Victor Oladipo (sore knee) - out
LAL: Rajon Rondo (right hand) - out, Lonzo Ball (ankle) - questionable
Enemy view: Silver Screen and Roll
Please leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.
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