Kings vs. Pacers: Game thread, lineups, TV info and more

The Pacers (19-9) return to action at BLF on Friday night when they host the the Kings (12-15) in an effort to maintain the momentum gained from winning their last four games.

This game sets up as another ‘beware of human nature’ situation for the Pacers, very similar to their game at home against the Hawks in late November. The Pacers were also riding a four-game winning streak prior to that game with Philly looming next on the schedule.

This time they don’t have the Sixers next, but instead a back-to-back against the Bucks and Raptors. The Pacers barely avoided a loss to the Hawks rallying from behind after falling behind by 18 points in the second quarter to win in OT.

More importantly, the Kings are a tougher matchup than they may appear on paper because of their sub-.500 record. Like the Pacers who started 0-3, the Kings also had a bit of a preseason trip to India hangover, losing their first five games. Since then they have dealt with a variety of injuries but are 12-10 and relatively healthy with the recent return of De’Aaron Fox. Plus, as we all learned in those preseason games in India, the Kings have plenty of shooters who can get buckets from all over the court.

The Pacers had a two days off at home and a chance to practice on Thursday so effort should not be an issue.

Also, the Kings have plenty of Indiana connections with Cory Joseph making his return after two fantastic season as a reserve guard for the Pacers made him two pricey to keep. Also, local legends, Yogi Ferrell, Caleb Swanigan and Kyle Guy are developing their hoop dreams with the Kings. Yogi sees reserve minutes off the bench most nights while Swanigan and Guy are back and forth between the team and G-League. Both are in Vegas now for the G-League showcase. Guy is among the G-League leaders in scoring at over 23 points per game.

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

When: 7:00 p.m. ET

TV: FOX Sports Indiana

Radio: 107.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan

Projected Starting Lineups:

Pacers: Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb, T.J. Warren, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner

Kings: Cory Joseph, Buddy Hield, Harrison Barnes, Nemanja Bjelica, Richaun Holmes

Injury update:

IND: Victor Oladipo (knee) - out, Jeremy Lamb (groin) - questionable, T.J. Warren (illness) - questionable, Naz Mitrou-Long (ankle) - out

SAC: Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle) - questionable

Enemy view: Sactown Royalty

Please leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.