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Following a brief hiatus, the Philadelphia 76ers will return to the court on Wednesday night to take on the Indiana Pacers in Indiana. Both squads are eager to sidestep their first two-game skid of the campaign, but only one will succeed in that endeavor.
For the Sixers to emerge victorious, they must deliver a stronger performance than they did in Sunday's 106-93 defeat to the Detroit Pistons. Here's a breakdown of two advantages and two concerns for Philadelphia as it prepares for the matchup with Indiana.
Advantage: Starting Firepower
The 76ers possess one of the most formidable starting lineups in the league on paper, and that potential has translated to on-court success. Philadelphia's starters are contributing 92.5 points per game this season, a mark surpassed only by the Los Angeles Lakers (98.0) and Houston Rockets (92.8). In contrast, the Pacers' starters are averaging 75.8 points per game, ranking 17th in the NBA. The Sixers clearly have more scoring punch in their first unit, and they'll need to lean on that advantage to avoid a second straight loss, especially since the bench production favors Indiana.
Concern: Bench Production
The disparity in bench scoring could loom large for Philadelphia against Indiana. The Pacers rank in the top 10 in bench points, averaging 40.8 per game, while the Sixers are dead last in the league with just 17.5 bench points per contest. That's a difference of 23.3 points. Philadelphia's starters have shouldered the scoring load thus far, but the team needs players like Anfernee Simons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Dean Wade to step up offensively against the Pacers.
Advantage: Turnovers
The Sixers have been the NBA's best team at protecting the ball this season, averaging only 12.8 turnovers per game—an impressive feat for a squad integrating several new pieces. The Pacers, meanwhile, are averaging 15.5 turnovers per game, just outside the top 10. Not only have the Sixers limited their own giveaways, but they've also excelled at forcing turnovers, generating 18.8 per game (fifth-most in the league), while Indiana forces just 14.5 (23rd). If Philadelphia can continue to win the turnover battle, it will work in its favor.
Concern: Pacers Paint Points
Indiana has been one of the most dominant teams in the paint this season, averaging 57 paint points per game, tied for second in the NBA. Only the New Orleans Pelicans (60.7) score more inside. The Sixers, by contrast, rank 23rd with 45.5 paint points per game. That gives the Pacers a double-digit advantage in that category, and if they exploit it, it could spell trouble for Philadelphia. Limiting Indiana's paint production by contesting shots and preventing second-chance points should be a top priority for the Sixers.