Who's Playing
Matchup: Toronto Raptors vs. Indiana Pacers
Records: Raptors (27-44), Pacers (33-38)
Where to Watch
Date: Sunday, May 16
Time: 1:00 p.m.
TV: TSN 1/3/4, RDS2
Location: Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
Game Preview
The Raptors' season finale may not have any implications for their place in the standings, but it does for their opponent.
They'll host the Pacers, who have clinched a spot in the Eastern Conference's Play-In Tournament but are still looking to move up in seeding, currently sitting in 10th place with one last opportunity to jump up into the Seven-Eight Game against the Boston Celtics.
What is the significance of that, you ask?
The teams playing in the Seven-Eight Game only need to win one game to qualify for the playoffs, claiming the No. 7 seed. Even with a loss, it acts as double-elimination, where the loser will still have one final win-or-go-home opportunity to claim the No. 8 seed, facing the winner of the Nine-Ten Game.
If Indiana were to stay put where it currently stands, one loss in the Play-In Tournament would mean elimination from the playoffs. That places plenty of significance on this contest against Toronto.
The Pacers' biggest concern appears to be the emergence of Toronto rookie guard Jalen Harris, who is coming off of the best performance of his young career.
MORE: Harris puts on a show in homecoming vs. Mavericks
Going off for a career-high 31 points against the Dallas Mavericks, the 2020 second-round pick is flourishing with an increased opportunity at the end of the season.
THE FAM IS HYPE @TheJalenHarris pic.twitter.com/y0j6JkDV0M
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) May 15, 2021
Can the Raptors close the season by playing spoiler for Indiana's playoff placing?
Injury Report
Raptors
- OG Anunoby (left calf, injury recovery) – Out
- Rodney Hood (hand) – Out
- Kyle Lowry (rest) – Out
- Pascal Siakam (left shoulder) – Out
- Fred VanVleet (left hip, injury recovery) – Out
- Yuta Watanabe (ankle) – Out
- Paul Watson (knee) – Out
Pacers
- Malcolm Brogdon (right hamstring)— Out
- Aaron Holiday (right toe) — Out
- Jeremy Lamb (left knee) — Out
- Caris LeVert (right knee) — Available
- Domantas Sabonis (left quad) — Out
- Edmond Sumner (left knee) — Out
- Myles Turner (partial plantar plate tear) — Out
- T.J. Warren (left foot) — Out
Raptors vs. Pacers: Betting odds, spread, over/under
Spread: Raptors +5.0 (-110), Pacers -5.0 (-100)
Raptors Money line: +175
Pacers Money line: -200
Over/under: 228.0 (-110)
Courtesy of William Hill Sportsbook.
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