Indiana Pacers Preview: Tough test in San Antonio

After a frustrating loss in Memphis, the Indiana Pacers are on the road again, this time out west to San Antonio where they await a battle with the Spurs.

WHO: Indiana Pacers (16-10) @ San Antonio Spurs (23-5)
WHEN: Tonight, 8:30 pm ET / 7:30 pm CT
WHERE: AT&T Center (San Antonio, TX)

TV: FSI
RADIO: 1070 the Fan
STREAM: FSGO

The Pacers
Road games continue to be an issue for the Pacers after Sunday night’s loss makes it four straight dropped on the road, the last win coming against the Clippers on Dec. 2. Tonight will prove no easier for Indiana as they travel down to face San Antonio.

The Pacers had been posting over 100 points per game prior to the loss against Memphis where they scored just 84 total, but will need the offensive punch of the season to get the job done against an all-around sound Spurs squad.

Three-point shooting continues to be the hot button for Indiana as they sit in the top five in 3PT%, but defending has been an issue after letting up 96 points against Memphis, 118 points against Detroit, and 122 and 123 points against Utah and Portland respectively – all games on the road.

Where the ship looked to have been righted momentarily, it may be the case that the Pacers are simply more comfortable at home and so will be looking forward to hosting Sacramento on Wednesday if they don’t manage a win this evening.

The Spurs
If statistics don’t give the full picture, they certainly sum things up nicely – San Antonio a prime example.

The Spurs are in the top five in FG%, 3PT%, and rebounds and assists per game, and sit just outside the top five on blocks per game. They are one of the best ball-handling teams, averaging just over 14 turnovers a game, but score as much is necessary, but average 102 points per game flat.

I mean, they’re terrifying. Just look at them this month:

Tonight will be about a bit of everything, but if nothing else savor this Paul George v. Kawhi Leonard matchup as we get to witness two of the best two-way players in the game.