Indiana Pacers Seek Worst Record to Secure Top-4 Draft Pick Amid Struggles Against Orlando Magic The Indiana Pacers are locked in a desperate race to secure the NBA’s worst record, aiming to guarantee a top-four draft pick in June’s draft. Despite their struggles, the team remains focused on finishing last in the league, a strategy that has placed them in a precarious position after acquiring center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers in a trade involving guard Bennedict Mathurin and several picks. This move has positioned the Pacers to control their fate, as they now hold the advantage in the battle for the No. 4 selection. A key factor in their remaining schedule is an unprotected lottery pick from this draft, which could fall between the 5th and 9th selections, making it a critical asset for their future. The Pacers’ season has been marked by a 16-game losing streak, matching their record against the Washington Wizards, who currently hold the tiebreaker for the worst record in the league. Indiana has not secured a single victory since the NBA resumed play following the All-Star break, further complicating their path to the draft’s top picks. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic have faced their own challenges, extending their season-long four-game losing streak. Their latest defeat came at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, who ended the game with a buzzer-beater from guard Luke Kennard. The Magic’s struggles have pushed them down the Eastern Conference standings, dropping them from the No. 5 spot to eighth, just a half-game ahead of the Miami Heat for the final play-in spot. The Magic’s current roster is also dealing with multiple injuries, including the absence of key players Franz Wagner, Anthony Black, and Jonathan Isaac.#indiana_pacers #orlando_magic #kia_center #ivica_zubac #benedict_mathurin
Indiana Pacers vs. LA Clippers The Los Angeles Clippers secured their third consecutive victory with a 130-107 win over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. Kawhi Leonard led the way with 29 points, while Bennedict Mathurin contributed 23 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting performance. Brook Lopez added 17 points for the Clippers, and Darius Garland recorded 12 points in his first home game since being traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pacers, meanwhile, saw Pascal Siakam return from a three-game absence due to a left wrist sprain, scoring 29 points to lead his team. However, Indiana fell to its seventh consecutive loss, dropping to a 15-47 record in the Eastern Conference. Jay Huff chipped in 18 points, including 4 of 8 from beyond the arc, while Jarace Walker finished with 17. The Clippers dominated the early stages of the game, building a 42-25 lead after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 63-51 at halftime. Leonard was instrumental in the first half, scoring 20 points by halftime. The Clippers further extended their lead with a 16-2 run in the third quarter, making it a 21-point game. The Clippers' offensive efficiency was a key factor in the victory, shooting 55.1% from the field compared to the Pacers' 42.9%. Norchad Omier, who scored just one basket, made history by becoming the first Nicaraguan to appear in an NBA game. The Pacers’ next matchup is against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, while the Clippers will face the San Antonio Spurs on the same night. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.#indiana_pacers #kawhi_Leonard #la_clippers #brook_lopez #benedict_mathurin
