Sunday, November 15, 2026
45 ° Clear
45 ° Clear
The Philadelphia 76ers return home Sunday afternoon to host the Indiana Pacers as they look to build momentum with a busy week ahead.
The Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 106-104 on Friday night despite missing star guard Tyrese Haliburton. Meanwhile, the Sixers are coming off a 123-112 win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night, with both teams looking to build on their recent victories.
Who: Indiana Pacers (5-8) at Philadelphia 76ers (10-3)
When: 1 p.m. EST Sunday
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia
Watch: NBC Sports Philadelphia, NBA League Pass
The Sixers will begin the first game of a back-to-back without Joel Embiid, who is out as he continues to manage plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Adem Bona remains sidelined as well, meaning Sixers fans could see more of Tacko Fall than initially anticipated. Fall has quickly become a fan favorite during his short time with the team.
The Sixers will have LeBron James back in the lineup and will look to get their offense moving. Embiid's absence could change their approach, potentially creating more opportunities for ball movement.
While the two-man game between Embiid and Tyrese Maxey has remained effective, its continued success has also slowed the development of a more balanced offensive approach, with the team frequently becoming bogged down in that part of its game plan.
The Sixers have struggled with their shooting this season, but they also need to create better opportunities through movement and positioning. Moving away from an Embiid-centric half-court offense could give them a chance to work on those areas Sunday.
The Pacers arrive in Philadelphia fresh off Friday's win over the Knicks, continuing an up-and-down season with Haliburton sidelined by a hamstring injury.
Indiana entered the season with higher expectations following Haliburton's return from a devastating Achilles injury that cost him all of last season. However, he played just four games before suffering his latest setback.
Sunday will mark the 10th consecutive game Haliburton has missed.
In addition to Haliburton, the Pacers could be without Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith, who are both listed as questionable for Sunday.
Both guards have been important contributors this season, combining to average nearly 29 points, five rebounds and nine assists per game. Without them, Indiana could struggle against a Sixers team capable of deploying considerable talent throughout its rotation.
The key for the Sixers on Sunday will be improving their shooting.
Focusing on ball movement, creating clean looks and attacking the basket against a potentially depleted Pacers team could help Philadelphia find a better offensive rhythm.
Indiana ranks among the league leaders in opponent field-goal percentage, allowing teams to shoot just 45.2 percent from the field. However, its three-point defense has been less effective, allowing opponents to connect on 35.5 percent of their attempts, a mark closer to the bottom third of the league.
With James returning and Embiid sidelined, the Sixers may have to rely on smaller lineups, with James, Dean Wade and Jabari Walker potentially sharing minutes at center. The added speed and versatility could help offset some of the disadvantages Philadelphia might face in the paint.
James could approach a triple-double while creating opportunities for Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe and Maxey to thrive in transition and operate within a different half-court system.
The Sixers will look to rediscover the rhythm that helped them put together a five-game winning streak earlier this season. They'll aim to establish that momentum by pushing the pace against Indiana before facing the Nets, Magic and Bucks later this week.
The next four games should give Philadelphia an opportunity to build consistency, starting Sunday afternoon.
Sixers 113, Pacers 108
MORE: Latest Sixers news, analysis and more
Follow Philly Sports Network on Twitter for the latest in Philly sports
