The Sixers are in Indianapolis to face the Pacers on Wednesday night after suffering their first loss of the season, 106-93, to the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Indiana, meanwhile, fell 110-102 to the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, leaving both teams looking to avoid a second straight loss.
Who: Philadelphia 76ers (3-1) at Indiana Pacers (2-2)
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Watch: ESPN, NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Sixers could have their full starting lineup available for Wednesday's game. Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe, who both missed Sunday's loss, were not listed on the team's initial injury report. However, Philadelphia remains shorthanded in the frontcourt, with Jabari Walker, Dominick Barlow and Tacko Fall sidelined.
Walker’s absence is particularly difficult for a team already lacking size, although offseason addition Dean Wade has returned to provide some relief. The Sixers will remain thin up front until their injured players can return.
One area in which Philadelphia has excelled early this season is forcing turnovers while limiting its own. The Sixers have forced nearly 19 turnovers per game while committing fewer than 13. They'll need to maintain that discipline against a Pacers team capable of pushing the pace and capitalizing on mistakes.
With each game together, Philadelphia's starting five should become more familiar with one another's tendencies and abilities. Having LeBron James direct the offense in half-court sets could help the Sixers become more efficient. Wednesday would mark just the third game in which all five starters have played together, making continued development an important part of the early season.
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Following Monday's loss to Milwaukee, the Pacers are looking to climb back above .500. The return of Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, has helped restore optimism about Indiana's place in the Eastern Conference.
Haliburton has appeared in all four games this season, averaging 21.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists in 33 minutes per game. After a lengthy recovery, he has shown encouraging signs of returning to form, although he is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game with hamstring tightness.
Indiana also features Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, Quenton Jackson and former Sixer Kelly Oubre Jr. The Pacers' ability to score inside could pose problems for Philadelphia, particularly given its limited frontcourt depth.
If Embiid and James can establish a presence in the paint, the Sixers will have a better chance of limiting Indiana's interior offense and controlling the game.
Both teams are capable of playing at a fast pace, using their athleticism and offensive talent to create opportunities in transition. Philadelphia's ability to force turnovers could be particularly valuable against an Indiana team that likes to push the ball.
The expected return of Embiid and Edgecombe would give the Sixers a more complete starting lineup than they had in Sunday's loss. With multiple scoring threats on the floor, Philadelphia should have opportunities to challenge Indiana's defense.
The Sixers also need to improve their shot selection and perimeter shooting. Despite shooting efficiently overall, they have struggled from beyond the arc early this season. Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, Anfernee Simons and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will need to provide more consistent outside shooting to complement the team's ability to attack the basket.
Wednesday's matchup could feature plenty of transition opportunities, but Philadelphia's ability to limit mistakes, improve its shooting and hold its own in the paint will likely determine the outcome.
Sixers 117, Pacers 108
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