Game Preview
Ahead of tonight's matchup between the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers, both teams find themselves a shade below .500 on the season. The Nets are clinging to a 40.9 percent win rate after 22 games, while the Pacers sit at 42.9 percent through 21 contests.
Offense has been a strength for Indiana, averaging nearly 115 points per game behind a 48.6 percent field goal percentage. Brooklyn has struggled more to score consistently, hovering around 110 points on 46.2 percent shooting. However, the Nets have been significantly better at getting to the free throw line, converting 81.5 percent of their attempts compared to the Pacers' 78.1 percent clip.
On the glass, Indiana has controlled the boards better, grabbing almost 40 rebounds per contest to Brooklyn's 38.1. The Pacers have also been more disruptive defensively, averaging 8.5 steals and 4.9 blocks compared to the Nets' 6.6 steals and 3.7 blocks.
Recently, Indiana has started to turn a corner, winning 3 of their last 5 while Brooklyn has stumbled to a 2-3 record over that span. The Pacers' improved play has been fueled by a slight uptick in scoring to 115.4 points per game, while their defensive numbers have remained steady. Meanwhile, the Nets have seen a dip in scoring to 109.8 points during their recent skid, struggling to keep opponents under 117.6 points allowed.
With both teams desperate for a win to gain ground in their respective conference races, this could come down to which squad can impose its strengths. If the Pacers control the glass and force turnovers, they may have the edge. But if the Nets can get to the line and slow the Pacers' scoring attack, they have a chance to defend their home court.