Pacers at Lakers
The Indiana Pacers kick off their four-game road trip Tuesday, when they head west to take on the Los Angeles Lakers. Indiana halted a six-game road losing streak by posting a 96-89 triumph on Nov. 19 over the hapless Washington Wizards. The Pacers, who are coming off a home loss to San Antonio on Friday, continue their trek in Sacramento and Golden State before concluding it on Dec. 4 at Chicago.
Los Angeles returns to the Staples Center for a three-game homestand after playing three straight on the road. The Lakers dropped contests in Sacramento and Memphis before recording a 115-89 triumph over Dallas on Saturday, salvaging the finale of their trip and evening their record at 2-2 under new coach Mike D'Antoni. Following visits by Denver and Orlando, Los Angeles will play seven of eight away from home.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, FSN (Indiana), TWC Sportsnet (Los Angeles)
ABOUT THE PACERS (6-8): Indiana has beaten the Lakers in Los Angeles just six times in 39 opportunities and only three times since 1992. The Pacers are one of the top defensive teams in the league thus far, ranking third with an average of 92.2 points allowed. The defense failed them Saturday, however, as they squandered a 17-point lead against San Antonio and lost by seven. The offense also played a large part in the meltdown as Indiana missed its final 11 shots from the field.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (7-7): Los Angeles has enjoyed lots of success from beyond the arc this season. The team sank 12 3-pointers against Dallas on Saturday, marking the third consecutive game it has reached that plateau. The Lakers have made at least 10 3-pointers four times this season, matching their total for the entire 2011-12 campaign. Kobe Bryant leads the league with an average of 26.9 points while Dwight Howard is third in blocked shots with a 2.71 average.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Bryant has averaged 35 points in his last three games against the Pacers and 26 in 28 career meetings. He is the only player from the teams' NBA Finals matchup in 2000 that is still active.
2. Los Angeles has lost its last two home meetings with Indiana after winning the first 11 showdowns at the Staples Center.
3. The Lakers lead the all-time series 55-21.
PREDICTION: Lakers 110, Pacers 96.