Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers: A Preview of an Upcoming NBA Showdown

Get ready for an exciting NBA matchup as the Philadelphia 76ers host the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA on January 20, 2026. This game promises to be a compelling contest, even with the significant injury concerns impacting both teams. Find out where to catch all the action with our comprehensive guide to NBA streams below.

Injury Report: A Major Factor

Before diving into the game preview, it's crucial to address the significant injury issues affecting both rosters. These absences will undoubtedly shape the game's dynamics and impact the overall strategic approaches of both coaches.

Philadelphia 76ers:

Joel Embiid: Listed as Day-to-Day following knee surgery. His status is a major question mark. Joel Embiid's presence or absence will drastically change the 76ers' offensive firepower and defensive presence. Will he be ready to go, or will the team need to rely heavily on other players? Check his status closer to game time for updates.
Paul George: Also Day-to-Day, recovering from leg surgery. Another key player, Paul George's recovery timeline will impact the 76ers' ability to compete at a high level. His potential return would be a massive boost.
Justin Edwards, Johni Broome, and Dominick Barlow: All listed as Day-to-Day due to rest. While not as impactful as the absences of Embiid and George, their availability will add to the team's overall depth and rotation options.

Indiana Pacers:

Tyrese Haliburton: Ruled OUT for the game due to Achilles surgery. This is a huge blow to the Pacers, as Tyrese Haliburton is a vital part of their offensive strategy.
Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman: Both listed as Day-to-Day, recovering from Achilles and leg surgeries respectively. The Pacers' frontcourt depth is significantly affected by their injuries. Their potential return could provide some relief.
Quenton Jackson and Johnny Furphy: Day-to-Day with soreness and rest respectively. Similar to the 76ers' minor injuries, these will impact the Pacers' bench and overall rotations.

Recent Form: A Look at the Last Five Games

Analyzing the last five games for both teams offers valuable insight into their current form and momentum heading into this crucial match.

Philadelphia 76ers (1-4): The 76ers are coming off a rough patch, having lost four of their last five games. Their recent losses highlight potential weaknesses that the Pacers could exploit. Their last five games were:

L vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 114-109
L @ Miami Heat 117-105
W @ Washington Wizards 122-103
L vs. Atlanta Hawks 124-110
L vs. Chicago Bulls 122-102

Indiana Pacers (2-3): The Pacers have a slightly better record in their last five, winning two out of five. However, their consistent struggles against the Oklahoma City Thunder suggest a need for improvement. Their last five games were:

Key Players to Watch: Beyond the Injuries

Even with key injuries, both teams possess talent that could swing the game.

Philadelphia 76ers: If Joel Embiid is out, expect increased responsibility for Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. Their performance will be critical in dictating the flow of the game. The supporting cast will need to elevate their game to compensate for any absences.

Indiana Pacers: The absence of Tyrese Haliburton puts immense pressure on other players to step up. Bennedict Mathurin will likely need to lead the offensive charge. The Pacers’ success will depend on their ability to share the scoring load and maintain defensive consistency.

Where to Watch: Your Guide to NBA Streams

Finding reliable NBA streams can be challenging. We recommend exploring official streaming options first. However, if those aren't available, be aware of the legal risks involved with unofficial streams and ensure you’re using safe and reputable sources. For information on different streaming options, both legal and those requiring caution, please refer to our comprehensive guide: /nba-streams

Remember to always prioritize legal and safe streaming practices.

Game Prediction: A Close Contest

Given the numerous injuries on both sides, predicting a clear winner is difficult. This game likely will hinge on the status of Joel Embiid and Paul George for the 76ers. If both are out, the Pacers could pull off an upset, despite the absence of Tyrese Haliburton. However, if either Embiid or George plays, the 76ers' home-court advantage and superior star power should be enough to secure a victory. Regardless, expect a closely fought game filled with exciting moments and high stakes. Tune in to find out!

Beyond the Game: Future Implications

The outcome of this game could have broader implications for both teams' playoff hopes. Every game in the NBA is crucial, and this matchup is no exception. The performance of younger players, in particular, could be a key indicator of how each team performs in the second half of the season and during the playoffs. For those interested in deeper analysis and insights into future performance, keep an eye on our post-game breakdowns!

Remember to check back for post-game analysis, injury updates, and more NBA previews. For the best resources on NBA streams, remember to visit our dedicated guide: /nba-streams. Don't miss the action!