The Indiana Pacers returned from action after five days off since their last game and the Magic did anything they wanted on both ends from the tip.

This reverse jinx attempt was published at halftime and in the end was unsuccessful as the Pacers played better in the second half but only well enough to make the Magic sweat a little in the final moments. The fourth quarter garbage time lineup behind Jordan Nwora (19 points [8 for 11], rebounds), Isaiah Jackson (6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block, and 3 steals), Ben Sheppard (7 points, 2 steals, 2 assists), and Jarace Walker (7 points, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) at least had some positive moments (and deserve a C at minimum instead of the Fs given at halftime) as they cut the lead all the way down to 11 with 1 minute to go.

However it was too little too late to make up for a terrible first half when the Pacers struggled to take care of the ball (12 TOs in the first half), make shots (34.9% in the first half), or stop Orlando from getting anything they wanted as they made 58.8% of their attempts in the first half to lead by 34 at the break. Carlisle did all he could to wake his team up. He played every active player in the first half looking for some source of energy except Isaiah Jackson. For awhile it looked like he really wanted a tech but never got one. The Pacers lost by a final score of 128-116.

Pacers Grades:

The first half the Pacers just played is one of the most insanely embarrassing efforts I have ever seen. At no point in their meandering, discombulated performance were you even close to making this an actual competition. Everyone in the arena and those that watched at home are now miserable having seen it. I award you all Fs. May God have mercy on your soul.

See you on Tuesday when the Indiana Pacers have a chance to win their group in the In-Season Tournament when they face the Hawks in Atlanta.