Pacers Links: Pacers face rough roadie against Raptors; trade deadline looms

The Pacers are in Toronto with the trade deadline on Thursday.

By Tom Lewis@IndyCornrows Feb 5, 2020, 8:00am EST

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After dropping their last two games at home, the Pacers are in Toronto to begin a challenging five-game stretch to close out play before the All-Star break.

The Pacers continue hunting for a comfort level with Victor Oladipo back in the mix, in particular some kind of offensive rhythm to build on while VO builds up his NBA game. On Tuesday, Nate McMillan said they will expand Vic’s minutes restriction which will hopefully include inserting him into the starting lineup. If they are trying to get him comfortable with that group, then do it at this point.

The Raptors will be a problem for the home-and-home to begin the next five games. Toronto has won their last 11 games through a relatively soft spot in their schedule to settle into second place in the East. Wins over the Thunder and struggling Sixers highlight the winning streak.

But for the Pacers, the opponent is less an issue than showing some improved play. Getting some shots to fall would help, but also showing up better on the glass where they have been dismal of late and simply not good over the past two months, will be big against the active front court in Toronto.

The Pacers’ remaining games before the All-Star break include playing a back-to-back on Saturday when they host Zion Williamson and the Pelicans. Then the Nets on Monday and Bucks on Wednesday. The good news is that all of those games are at the Fieldhouse.

With the trade deadline tomorrow, we’ll see if Vic’s return is the only rotation change the Pacers are dealing with before the break.

Check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers at Raptors | Indiana Pacers

VIDEO: Pacers Staying Patient | Indiana Pacers

Oladipo to Get More Minutes, Might Start | Indiana Pacers

Victor Oladipo: Indiana Pacers to increase Victor Oladipo's workload - Indy Star

NBA Trade Deadline 2020: How likely is it that Myles Turner stays with Pacers? - Indy Star

Pacers trade deadline primer: Making sense of the present with a focus on the future – The Athletic

NBA All-Star Game's clockless 4th quarter invented by Ball State prof, honors Kobe Bryant - Indy Star

Raptors seek franchise record win streak vs. Pacers: Preview, start time, and more - RaptorsHQ

Indiana Pacers present challenging matchup against Sixers at NBA trade deadline

The Indiana Pacers Are Well Represented At All-Star Weekend By Domantas Sabonis

NBA trade deadline 2020: Pacers looking to deal former first-round pick T.J. Leaf - Indy Star