AVANDATIMES.COM – The Indiana Pacers are set to clash with the Portland Trail Blazers this Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The matchup, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CST, brings together two teams navigating challenging seasons marked by significant roster absences and varying aspirations.

The Pacers, currently holding a 15-48 record, are struggling to find consistency, while the Trail Blazers enter the contest with a 30-34 standing. This game marks the first of two regular-season encounters between the two franchises, with both looking to gain an edge as the season progresses.

Historical Head-to-Head

Historically, the Trail Blazers have held an advantage over the Pacers in regular-season play. AvandaTimes notes that the Pacers’ all-time record against Portland stands at 38-61. Breaking down the venue performance, Indiana has a 27-23 record in home games but has struggled on the road against Portland, with an 11-38 record.

In recent seasons, the series has been closely contested. The Pacers managed to split the season series against the Trail Blazers during the 2024-2025 regular season, but they lost the series outright in the 2023-2024 campaign.

Extensive Injury Reports Impact Both Squads

Both teams are contending with substantial injury lists that could significantly influence Sunday’s game. The Pacers have several key players sidelined or questionable:

Ivica Zubac: Out – AnkleJohnny Furphy: Out – KneeTyrese Haliburton: Out – AchillesPascal Siakam: Probable – WristAndrew Nembhard: Probable – BackAaron Nesmith: Probable – Ankle

The Trail Blazers also face their own set of injury concerns:

Shaedon Sharpe: Out – CalfDamian Lillard: Out – AchillesDeni Avdija: Questionable – BackKris Murray: Questionable – Illness

Projected Starting Lineups

Despite the injuries, both teams are expected to field competitive starting fives:

Indiana Pacers

G Andrew NembhardG Aaron NesmithC Jay HuffF Jarace WalkerF Pascal Siakam

Portland Trail Blazers

G Jrue HolidayG Scoot HendersonC Donovan ClinganF Toumani CamaraF Jerami Grant

Coaching Insights on Player Development

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle recently commented on the development of young forward Jarace Walker, particularly his relationship with veteran Pascal Siakam. Carlisle highlighted Siakam’s mentorship role:

“Pascal’s a guy that he looks up to. Pascal’s taken a genuine interest in Jarace and his career, development, evolution as a professional. Jarace has been through a lot of the ups and downs that come with being a young player in the NBA, from not playing, to playing sometimes, then playing a lot and then having that elevated responsibility and I believe what happens is, in a lot of cases, you gain an element of humility going through all those things.”
Broadcast Information

Fans can catch the game through various broadcast channels:

Television: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana (Indiana), KUNP 16 (Portland)Radio: 93.5 FM/107.5 FM (Indiana), Rip City Radio 620 AM (Portland)

Betting Lines

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the betting lines for the matchup are as follows:

CategoryPacersTrail BlazersSpread+8.5 (-110)-8.5 (-110)Moneyline+285-360Total Points236.5 (Over -108, Under -112)

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.