PREVIEW: The Indiana Pacers will host the Dallas Mavericks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday , marking a critical clash between two struggling franchises searching for answers. This represents the Pacers' first home game since February 3rd, following a grueling six-game road trip that ended with back-to-back losses to Washington. Indiana will be without several key contributors including Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, and Aaron Nesmith due to various injuries , forcing the team to rely on secondary options. Defensively, the Pacers rank first in limiting three-point attempts while ranking 27th in defensive quality against three-pointers, suggesting opponents can find success from deep when given the opportunity. Dallas arrives as losers of ten straight games , a troubling streak that has left the organization reeling. The Mavericks rank third in three-point attempt limitation on defense but struggle significantly with rim protection, allowing plenty of attacking opportunities near the basket. Cooper Flagg, the number one overall pick from the 2025 NBA Draft, carries questionable status after sitting out Friday's loss with a midfoot sprain. Indiana averages 111.2 points per game, which sits below Dallas's defensive average of 117.5 points allowed, setting up a potential low-scoring affair between two offensively challenged teams.