Philadelphia faces an early road test against Indiana, with Joel Embiid and LeBron James leading the Sixers’ matchup against a Pacers team missing Tyrese Haliburton. The key questions: Can Philadelphia take advantage of Indiana’s absence, and can it contain the Pacers’ fast-paced offense?

Yes, But

Haliburton’s absence gives Philadelphia an opening, but Indiana’s pace still poses a challenge. The Sixers will need to control the tempo rather than assume the short-handed Pacers will be easy to handle.

Bottom Line

Haliburton being out shifts the matchup, but Philadelphia’s success will depend on slowing Indiana down and making the most of its opportunity.