Following their recent showdown in Los Angeles, the Indiana Pacers (41-33) and Los Angeles Lakers (41-32) are set to meet again on Friday night, this time in Indianapolis. The Lakers emerged victorious in their previous encounter with a high-scoring 150-145 win, giving them a 2-0 advantage over the Pacers this season. The Pacers will be eager to seek reve𝚗ge as they host LeBron James and Anthony Davis for their sole visit to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the regular season.

In their last meeting, both teams showcased their оffensive firepower, with the Pacers putting up 145 points but struggling to contain the Lakers. One notable factor was the significant difference in free throw attempts, as the Lakers outscored the Pacers by 29 points from the charity stripe. The Lakers converted 38 of 43 attempts (88.4%), while the Pacers managed only 9 of 16 (56.3%). Limiting the Lakers’ trips to the free throw line will be a key focus for the Pacers, although it’s undoubtedly a challenging task against a team featuring the talents of James and Davis.

After completing a successful five-game road trip that took them from Detroit to Chicago with stops on the West Coast, the Pacers return home. They secured a 3-2 record on the trip but ended on a disappointing note with a 125-99 loss to the Bulls. Falling behind by 21 points at halftime, the Pacers couldn’t mount a comeback.

Currently occupying the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings with eight games remaining, the Pacers hold a slim one-game lead over the Miami Heat. Every game is crucial in the final stretch, as the top six teams secure automatic playoff berths, while teams finishing seventh to tenth have to compete in the Play-In Tournament for the last two playoff spots.

The Lakers enter Friday’s game riding a five-game winning streak, including impressive victories over the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies. Although LeBron James missed the game against the Bucks, Anthony Davis stepped up with a remarkable performance, recording 34 points and 23 rebounds in a double-overtime win. Davis was then rested in the following game, allowing James to shine with a triple-double of 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists against the Grizzlies.

Projected Starters:Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton (G), Andrew Nembhard (G), Aaron Nesmith (F), Pascal Siakam (F), Myles Turner (C)Lakers: D’Angelo Russell (G), Austin Reaves (G), LeBron James (F), Rui Hachimura (F), Anthony Davis (C)

ιnjury Report:Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin – out (right shoulder labral tear)Lakers: Anthony Davis – questionable (left knee hyperextension), LeBron James – questionable (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy), Jalen Hood-Schifino – out (lumbar disc surgery), Jarred Vanderbilt – out (right mid-foot sprain), Gabe Vincent – out (left knee surgery), Christian Wood – out (left knee surgery)

In their previous clаsh on March 24, 2024, the Lakers clinched a 150-145 victory over the Pacers in a high-scoring affair. Pascal Siakam delivered an outstanding performance for the Pacers, scoring a career-high 36 points, but the Lakers’ balanced scoring and strong second-half display made the difference. The Pacers made a spirited comeback attempt but fell short in the end.

Interesting Facts:

The Lakers have won their last three games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.