Match details-

Fixture: Indiana Pacers vs Toronto Raptors

Date & Time: Monday, December 23, 2019,, 7:00 PM ET (Tuesday, 12:00 AM GMT)

Venue: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis.

Preview-

After winning five straight games, Indiana Pacers could not make past the Eastern Conference leaders Milwaukee Bucks. The 117-89 loss on the road was the worst of the season for the Pacers. The very next day, Indiana will have to face the defending Champions Toronto Raptors.

The Pacers enter Monday’s contest in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a win-loss record of 20-10. The Pacers have had a good start to the season, but have struggled against top teams.

Their Monday’s opponents are two places above them in the Eastern Conference. The Raptors have extended their record to 21-8 in the season after winning their last five games. The Raptors managed to beat the Mavericks in their last game in spite of injuries to Marc Gasol, Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell.

Injury updates & team news-

Indiana Pacers-

Injuries: Jeremy Lamb – questionable (sore right groin), Domantas Sabonis – questionable (sore left hip), Naz Mitrou-Long – out (sprained right ankle), (Victor Oladipo – out (right knee surgery rehab)

Expected starting line-up: Malcolm Brogdon, Aaron Holiday, TJ Warren, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner

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Toronto Raptors-

Injuries: Stanley Johnson – doubtful (left groin stress reaction), Marc Gasol – out (left hamstring strain), Dewan Hernandez – out (right ankle sprain), Norman Powell – out (left shoulder subluxation), Pascal Siakam – out (groin stretch), Matt Thomas – out (left middle finger distal phalanx fracture)

Expected starting line-up: Fred VanVleet, Kyle Lowry, Patrick McCaw, OG Anunoby, Serge Ibaka

Predictions-

The Indiana Pacers have a strong 13-3 home record in the season so far. The Raptors, in their away games managed a record of 8-5 so far. However, Toronto will have the momentum with them after their five consecutive victories and will be looking to make it six.