Indiana opened a four-game Western swing by getting crushed 130-107 at the Clippers and will visit Portland and Sacramento next. The Pacers have dropped seven straight and 11 of their past 13 since February.

All-Star Pascal Siakam returned from his wrist issue after dealing with a hamstring strain and is expected to participate. Indiana added center Ivica Zubac, a former Laker, from the Clips in a trade for Bennedict Mathurin and a couple first round picks just before the trade deadline but have ruled him out indefinitely. 

The Pacers can control their destiny in terms of securing a top-four pick by finishing with the NBA’s worst record, but need the Sacramento Kings to pick up some wins since they’re currently in the league’s basement. 

Indiana is 5-25 on the road and 4-17 against Western Conference opposition. The Lakers are 18-12 at home, but have gone a disappointing 11-11 vs. East foes.

Vitals – How to Watch Pacers at Lakers

Game date, time and location: Friday, March 6, 10:40 p.m. EST, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana (Pacers), Spectrum SportsNet (Lakers)

Radio: 1070 The Fan (Pacers), ESPN LA 710 (Lakers)

Pacers continue stint in L.A. vs. Lakers team coming off loss

The Indiana Pacers (15-47) visit the Los Angeles Lakers (37-25) in the first game between these teams this season.

L.A. won both matchups last season, winning 120-119 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in the most recent one on March 26. Luka Doncic helped overcome a 16-point, 18-assist game from Tyrese Haliburton with 34 points. Bennedict Mathurin scored a Pacers-high 23 points off the bench.

The Pacers lost in L.A. 124-117 on Feb. 8, 2025 despite 23 points from Siakam. Reaves scored 45 points in a game that didn’t feature LeBron James. Indiana’s last win over the Lakers in L.A. came on Jan. 19, 2022. It has gone just 3-7 over the last 10 matchups in this series. The teams will meet again in Indianapolis on March 25.

The Lakers lead the all-time series over the Pacers 67-35 dating back to 1976-77, which doesn’t include their 4-2 NBA Finals conquest in 2000.

Betting Lines
(via DraftKings) 

Spread: Lakers -9.5 (-102) Pacers +9.5 (-118)

Moneyline: Lakers -455, Pacers +350

Total: 235.5 (Over -110, Under -110)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

PROJECTED STARTERS

PACERS

F Jarace Walker

F Pascal Siakam

C Jay Huff 

G Andrew Nembhard

G Aaron Nesmith

LAKERS

G/F Marcus Smart

F LeBron James

C Jaxson Hayes

G Luka Doncic

G Austin Reaves

INJURY REPORT

PACERS 

Tyrese Haliburton: Out – Right Achilles Tendon Tear

Pascal Siakam: Probable – Left Wrist Sprain

Andrew Nembhard: Probable – Lower Back Injury Management and Neck Soreness

Aaron Nesmith: Probable – Right Ankle Sprain and Back Sprain

Ivica Zubac: Out – Left Ankle Sprain

Johnny Furphy: Out – Right ACL Tear

Jalen Slawson: Questionable – G League (Two-way)

Taeilon Peter: Questionable – G League (Two-way)

Ethan Thompson: Doubtful – G League (Two-way)

LAKERS

Deandre Ayton: Out – Back Soreness

Maxi Kleber: Out – Back Soreness

QUOTABLE

Lakers coach JJ Redick on Jaxson Hayes moving forward as the primary center: “Jaxson’s had a really good season. I know I played with him his first two years. He’s a better basketball player. He’s gotten better. He’s making touch shots around the rim. He’s making great pocket decisions. He’s a good basketball player that, frankly, he consistently injects energy into the group when he runs the floor, blocks a shot or gets those dunks.”