One might wonder why the spotlight is suddenly on Pacers big, Myles Turner. Well, it’s pretty simple, the Lakers have set their eyes on the multi-talented 6 ’11 big. That too with only 7-odd days remaining for the trade deadline, the league could hit us with a blockbuster trade any moment! At the same time, the Indiana side has all the power to crush the LA dream. Let’s find out more about it, but before that, how will it affect tonight’s match-up against the Pistons?

Well, before we speak anything about the Pistons, let me give J. B. Bickerstaff all the flowers he deserves. Last season was a disaster for the Detroit team. But this 45-year-old boss, who was dismissed from the Cavs’ unit, took charge of a fallen team. He managed to bring the necessary discipline and change the fans’ perspective of the team. They recently defeated the in-form Rockets in a physically dominant game.

So, looking at tonight’s clash, the Pacers can’t take this lightly, even though they defeated the Pistons only a few days ago. On top of it, the team has a tense situation with Myles Turner. Playing in his 10th year, he hasn’t donned any jersey other than the Indy ones.

Most importantly, the star will enter free agency this summer, as his $40.9 million two-year extension comes to an end. With the rumors suggesting that the Lakers are desperately looking to find a backup for AD, Turner may even have to get his bags packed!

At the same time, the Pacers can cut all the noise by just giving him the contract he deserves. Interestingly, this is the 2nd time the LA side is looking at Turner. He was nearly a Laker ahead of the 2022-23 season when they almost pulled off a Russell Westbrook – Myles Turner x Buddy Hield swap. And yes, for tonight, Myles Turner is still available for tonight’s game amid the chaos.

Amid this psychological battle, the team also has minor injury woes. Here’s the injury report for tonight’s game:

• Andrew Nembhard (Back) – Questionable
• Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) -Out
• James Wiseman (Achilles) – Out

Myles Turner & Co. vs Pistons: Starting Lineup and Depth Chart

The team looks absolutely stacked and ready to rain over the Detroit Pistons. But why do you think they hesitated to extend Turner’s contract? Apart from rim protection, Turner has the ability to create space on the floor with his long-distance shooting prowess. There could be only one reason. The team is looking for something more. Are they looking for more physicality or more of a traditional center?

Well, the Indiana Pacers front office has a pretty good track record. In the previous season, around the same time, the team traded in Pascal Siakam, and boom; the Indy team made a fantastic run and reached the Conference Finals. So, it wouldn’t be surprising if they made a trade out of nowhere! Coming back to tonight’s game, Myles Turner may go all guns blazing, considering the noise surrounding him. Who wouldn’t want to leave with a bang? Who do think will win tonight? Let us know your predictions below.