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Fixture - Indiana Pacers vs LA Lakers
Date & Time - August 8th, 6 PM ET (August 9th 3:30 AM IST)
Where - HP FieldHouse (WWOS), Orlando, Florida
Both the Indiana Pacers and the LA Lakers are coming off losses, but that's about the point where the similarities between the teams' situations end. The LA Lakers have made it clear that they're not going to put their stars under undue stress, while the Indiana Pacers are still jockeying for playoff position.
While the LA Lakers have the #1 seed locked up, the Indiana Pacers are 5th in the East and are likely to play the Miami Heat in the first round if things stand as they are.
Indiana Pacers Preview
The Indiana Pacers shot off to a quick start in their bubble campaign, but an ignominous loss to basement team Phoenix Suns should have a shock effect. In the absence of Domantas Sabonis, the backcourt has so far done a relatively good job of offsetting the scoring loss. But the Pacers are getting killed on the boards and will be looking to get that sorted this game.
ALSO READ: Milwaukee Bucks vs Dallas Mavericks Prediction & Match Preview - August 8th, 2020
Indiana Pacers - Key Player
The highest scorer for the Indiana Pacers, TJ Warren's ability to score in the paint, off mid-rangers and from 3-point range will be crucial to their chances this game. Warren will likely be guarded by LeBron James or Anthony Davis as he plays the 4 in theory, so it will be harder for him to get off clean shots than usual. Expect a 20+ point outing from him on the night.
Indiana Pacers Predicted Lineup:
Malcolm Brogdon, Victor Oladipo, Justin Holiday, TJ Warren, Myles Turner
LA Lakers Preview
In theory, it may be possible to defend the LA Lakers' losses by just saying that their shooters are cold at the moment and this will change in the playoffs. However, their team has other issues, mainly defensive, that may prove to be their bane in a 7-game series. JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard need to be more impactful on D for the LA Lakers to take this W.
LA Lakers - Key Player
In the absence of Avery Bradley, the role of setting the tone of lockdown defense on the perimeter falls squarely on Danny Green's experienced shoulders. The veteran swingman has not shot well at all in the bubble, to put it mildly, and he's long been overdue for a hot shooting game. He has the guile and the agility to guard Malcolm Brogdon and will be looking to get himself open for some corner 3s.
LA Lakers Predicted Lineup
LeBron James, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee
Indiana Pacers vs LA Lakers Match Prediction
With LeBron James taking his time and not going too hard on offense, the Lakers will have to find alternate sources of scoring even if Anthony Davis ends up having a big game. The Indiana Pacers are more of a score-by-committee team. Brogdon and Oladipo both have the ability to light it up quickly.
The Pacers have a greater motivation to win this game and I would bet on them to take it in a relatively low-scoring affair with under 225 points scored.
Indiana Pacers vs LA Lakers - Where to Watch
Viewers in the USA can catch it on national sports network TNT, or on local Fox Sports and Spectrum SportsNet. Indian and international viewers can stream it on NBA League Pass.
ALSO READ: Miami Heat vs Phoenix Suns Prediction & Match Preview - August 8th, 2020
