The Indiana Pacers are on the brink of achieving a successful road trip as they prepare to face the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Monday night. The game presents an opportunity for the Pacers to complete a clean sweep of their three-game western swing, which has already seen victories over the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.
This surge in performance has been a welcome development for the Pacers, who were struggling with a 10-15 record as recently as December 8. Improved health among their roster has provided greater depth, enabling the team to dominate their opponents during this trip. On Sunday afternoon, Indiana showcased a balanced attack in a commanding 122-95 victory over the Sacramento Kings, with seven players scoring in double figures. Additionally, two players recorded double-doubles, underlining the team’s cohesion and versatility.
A win against Golden State would mark a return to the .500 mark for the Pacers, a milestone they haven’t achieved since being 5-5 earlier in the season. Head coach Rick Carlisle attributes the team’s recent improvement to a combination of factors, including additional practice time afforded by the NBA Cup schedule. Carlisle emphasized that the extra preparation has particularly enhanced the team’s defensive intensity.
“The practice time over the last two weeks has been invaluable. It’s allowed us to regain our defensive edge,” Carlisle explained. “Our full-court defense has become a bigger factor. Even though we might not be the most physically imposing team, we need opponents to feel our persistence and effort at both ends of the court.”
Monday’s matchup also carries a sentimental note for the Pacers, as they will reunite with former teammate Buddy Hield. The sharpshooter played parts of three seasons in Indiana, where he averaged 15.4 points over 158 games before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers last February. During the offseason, Hield was part of a blockbuster six-team trade that landed him with the Warriors. The same trade saw Golden State acquire Kyle Anderson from the Minnesota Timberwolves while parting ways with Klay Thompson, who was sent to the Dallas Mavericks.
Hield has embraced his new role with the Warriors, primarily coming off the bench and contributing an average of 14 points per game. In Golden State’s most recent outing, he tallied 11 points in 21 minutes, helping the team secure a 113-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and snap a three-game losing streak.
Despite a strong start to the season with a 12-3 record, the Warriors have struggled in recent weeks, losing nine of their last 12 games. However, they are entering a home-heavy stretch of their schedule, with eight of their next nine games taking place at Chase Center. Their sole road trip during this span will be a short visit to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
This game also serves as a homecoming of sorts for Pacers fans, as they will get to see Golden State’s Trayce Jackson-Davis in action. Jackson-Davis, a standout from Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana, and Indiana University, is in his second NBA season. Although his sophomore campaign has been inconsistent compared to his impressive rookie year, the young forward has shown signs of resurgence. Over Golden State’s last two games, Jackson-Davis has been a force, shooting 9-for-11 from the field and recording a combined 22 points and 16 rebounds.
“The coaches have been great in sticking with me,” Jackson-Davis said. “My teammates have helped build my confidence, and I’m focusing on staying aggressive and finishing strong.”
Monday’s game marks the first meeting between the Pacers and Warriors this season. Last year, the two teams split their season series, with Indiana’s road victory at Golden State extending their winning streak at Chase Center to five games. The second and final meeting of this season will take place in Indianapolis on January 10.
For the Pacers, a win on Monday would be a statement of their growing resilience and determination. With a deeper roster, improved defense, and strong performances from both starters and bench players, Indiana has shown they can compete against tough opponents. Their recent success has provided a glimpse of their potential as they aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings.
Meanwhile, the Warriors are looking to find consistency as they navigate this challenging stretch of the season. With key players like Hield and Jackson-Davis stepping up, Golden State has the talent to regain their early-season form. Monday’s contest offers a compelling clash between two teams striving to establish momentum as the season progresses.
