What is Pacers' Strategy vs. Kings?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Dec 22, 2024 3:02 PM ET

On Sunday night, the Indiana Pacers will continue their road trip as they take on the Sacramento Kings. Indiana is looking to win four games in a row for the first time this season, while the Kings, meanwhile, have lost three games in a row and are on the outside looking into the crowded playoff picture in the Western Conference.

Thanks in large part to being the home team, Sacramento is the slight favorite. Between Domantas Sabonis, De'Aaron Fox, and DeMar DeRozan, although their bench is 28th in points per game and 14th in offensive rating.

Still, the Kings should present a challenge, especially for the Pacers, who struggle on both ends of the floor in the paint.

"Sacramento causes a lot of problems," said head coach Rick Carlisle. "They play fast. Domas is an All-Star center. DeRozan, we know all too well how dangerous he is. Fox is a great player. They've got a lot of weapons."

The Pacers' bench is 11th in points per game and fifth during their current win streak. With Obi Toppin and TJ McConnell leading the way, Indiana's second unit can cause a lot of damage in the game, and they are banking on that.

"He just brings a great energy off the bench," said Tyrese Haliburton of Toppin. "Really helped spearhead our second unit with TJ. When those guys are getting out and running, they change the dynamic of games, especially if things aren't starting well for us, they can bring energy. When things are starting well, they pick it up and make us play faster."

The Pacers have found success recently, but their matchup against the Kings should be one of the easiest ones during their tough schedule. However, as weak as they are this year, the Kings are no cakewalk.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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