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Pacers vs. Blazers Preview, Betting Odds, Injury Report, Game Time, Etc.

By Colton Bennett

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 12: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers watches the action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 12, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 12: Domantas Sabonis #11 of the Indiana Pacers watches the action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 12, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Pacers host the Blazers in their lone trip to Indy tonight. Even without Damian Lillard, they will bring the pressure of a team fighting for a playoff spot.

The Indiana Pacers, fresh off a very eventful two-game stretch, host the Portland Trail Blazers in Indianapolis tonight. The Blazers won the first matchup, in a high-scoring 139-129 affair on January 26  just hours after the passing of Kobe Bryant. This time out will be far less emotional, but both sides are still jockeying for playoff positions.

Following a three-day stretch where there they lost by 46 then won by 39, Indiana will hope to continue the latter form. Victor Oladipo will return after missing the last two games with a sore back. HIs insertion back into the starting lineup means that Aaron Holiday will likely see the majority of the Jeremy Lamb minutes off the bench. The Pacers will need to look for Domantas Sabonis early to try get Hassan Whiteside in early foul trouble so they can open up the paint.

As mentioned above, the Blazers will again be without Damian Lillard. They have struggled in the games without him this season going 1-4 while being outscored by 41 points in those five games. During the three games since Dame’s most recent injury, CJ McCollum has picked up the slack averaging 32 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 10.7 assists per game. In addition, Carmelo Anthony is only one game removed from a season-high 32 points against Detroit. Containing these two could determine tonight’s outcome.

Indiana exploded early against the Hornets on Tuesday and a similar game plan could work again tonight. The Pacers home record (20-10) is a reflection of the Blazers road record (10-20), but this being the first game of an east coast road trip, the Blazers could come out fast in an attempt to set the tone. Attacking the offensive glass could be a difference-maker in this game as the Blazers rank dead-last in the NBA in second chance points allowed.

Here is everything else you need to know going in:

The Indiana Pacers Odds Against the Portland Trailblazers

Odds courtesy of The Action Network, current as of 4:00 pm EST.

Time, Streaming Options, Ticketing

Indiana Pacers vs. Portland Trailblazers – Thursday, Feb. 27 @ 8:00 pm EST

Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, IN

TV: TNT (National), FSIND (Indiana), NBCSNW (Portland)

Radio: 93.5/107.5 FM The Fan (Indiana), Rip City Radio 620 (Portland)

Online Streaming: fuboTV, NBA League Pass

Tickets: StubHub

Injury Report

Indiana Pacers

Out: Jeremy Lamb (Torn Left ACL, Torn Lateral Meniscus, and Lateral Femoral Condylar Fracture), Edmond Sumner (Sore Left Hip)

Portland Trailblazers

Out: Zach Collins (Left Shoulder Dislocation), Rodney Hood (Left Ruptured Achilles Tendon), Damian Lillard (Right Groin Strain), Jusuf Nurkic (Left Leg Fracture)

*Both reports via NBA.com

Next. Breaking Down Myles Turner's 8 Blocks. dark

*Injuries will be updated as they are made available

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