Cooper Albers previews Monday’s NBA matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic.

Eastern Conference squads wrap up their regular-season series Monday night, as the contending Orlando Magic host the woeful Indiana Pacers at the Kia Center.

The Pacers (15–56, 15th East) are liable for the worst record in the NBA, exacerbated by a dreadful 16-game losing streak dating back to mid-February. Meanwhile, the Magic (38–32, 8th East) recently went on a seven-game heater but will aim to regroup after dropping four straight.

Orlando has taken the first two meetings with Indiana this season and will go for the sweep on its home hardwood.

Here’s a look at the Injury Report:

Indiana Pacers

OUT: Ivica Zubac (Rib), Johnny Furphy (ACL), Tyrese Haliburton (ACL)

QUESTIONABLE: Pascal Siakam (Knee), Obi Toppin (Foot), Andrew Nembhard (Calf), Aaron Nesmith (Ankle)

Orlando Magic

OUT: Franz Wagner (Ankle), Jalen Suggs (Illness), Jonathan Isaac (Knee), Anthony Black (Abdominal)

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. Orlando enters as a hefty 12.5-point home favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Indiana sits as a +550 underdog. The game’s total is set at 231.5 points. 

Pacers vs. Magic Preview

Indiana Pacers Preview

Tyrese Haliburton has a serious case for MVP this season. Without him, the Pacers have mutated from last season’s Eastern Conference champs into the worst team in the NBA. While there are certainly other factors at play, one thing is clear: Indiana, in its current form, is about as competitive as a heavy bag taking on prime Mike Tyson. 

Currently mired in a 16-game skid, their longest of the season, the Pacers are sitting 29th in net rating with a league-worst defense during this stretch. Compounding the issue, they could head into Orlando without top-three scorers Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith — all listed as questionable for Monday’s contest. 

With starting big man Ivica Zubac already ruled out, Indiana may have to squeeze as much offense as possible out of third-year forward Jarace Walker and journeyman center Jay Huff.

Orlando Magic Preview

It’s fitting that the Theme Park Capital of the World is home to one of the NBA’s most intense rollercoaster seasons. The Magic, currently staked to the eighth seed in the East, have constantly fluctuated in the standings through inconsistent play — their last 11 games serving as a case in point.

Orlando recently went on a seven-game heater, ranking in the NBA’s top five on both sides of the floor during that span. The team has followed it up with four consecutive losses, during which they’ve sat in the league’s bottom ten on both ends. The slide continued on Saturday against the Lakers, when the Magic blew a five-point lead in the final 50 seconds — punctuated by Luke Kennard’s game-winning triple that silenced the home crowd.

Even shorthanded, Orlando has the firepower — headlined by star forward Paolo Banchero and first-year Magic guard Desmond Bane — to contend with the NBA’s elite. But it has yet to be realized on a consistent basis.

Pacers vs. Magic Pick, Best Bet

Monday’s contest presents the Magic with a chance to bounce back and start stringing together some consistency before the playoffs. Orlando has already handled Indiana twice this season, and it should continue to batter the understaffed squad that could be missing virtually its entire starting lineup. Expect a big win from the hometown squad. 

Best Bet: Orlando Magic -12.5 Points (-110)