Magic vs. Pacers Rematch: 5 Questions Ahead of Monday's Game

The Orlando Magic eye revenge against the Indiana Pacers tonight after losing Saturday's tight game.

Jeremy Brener | Nov 21, 2022

Magic vs. Pacers Rematch: 5 Questions Ahead of Monday's Game /

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic (5-12) is hours away from a rematch with the Indiana Pacers (9-6).

To learn more about the Pacers ahead of tonight's matchup, we spoke with All Pacers publisher Tony East to learn more about the current state of affairs with the team.

1. The Pacers squeaked out a one-point win Saturday night. What was your biggest takeaway from the game?

That the Pacers had to go small against the giant Magic lineups. The Pacers were struggling to find answers against Bol/Wagner/WJC units until they went small with Terry Taylor at the 5 to close the third quarter. They have to get creative against the Magic size.

2. Bennedict Mathurin has taken the jump as the league's top rookie with Paolo Banchero out. How strong has he been and what's a good comparison for him with someone in the league?

He's been incredibly strong, especially as a scorer, for a first year player. He can get to the line well already, his three ball is a weapon, and he's skilled at adapting throughout a game. His feel is advanced. I'm not into player comps and I'm not sure I can come up with a good one.

3. What's one thing people should know about the Pacers that you cannot find in a box score?

That they evolve as games progress. They are one of the worst first quarter teams in the league and often reach halftime trailing. But they find ways to win thanks to their ability to adjust and be creative. It has helped them win numerous games this month, including on Saturday.

4. If the Pacers were to lose Monday, what would be the reason why?

They either get off to a start that is too poor to overcome, or the Magic's size becomes too overwhelming. Bol and Wagner are matchup nightmares for the blue and gold, especially with Duarte out. They don't have the size to defend either of them well.

5. What's your prediction for Monday?

Pacers win another tight one. 115-111.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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Published Nov 21, 2022

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.