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Magic vs. Pacers Game Thread

The Magic, coming off one of their worst losses of the season, face off against All-Star Victor Oladipo and the Pacers

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Which Magic team will show up in Indiana? The one that beat the Celtics or the one that lost to the Kings?

That is the biggest storyline heading into Saturday night's match-up against the Pacers, just edging out the fact that the Magic will square off against Victor Oladipo for the first time since he was officially named an All-Star.

Oladipo has torched his former team in the two games he has played against the Magic this season. In November, Oladipo recorded 29 points, nine rebounds, five assists, seven steals and two blocks to power the Pacers to a 105-97 win over the Magic. A week later against Orlando, he had his most efficient game of the season, scoring 26 points on 11-for-14 shooting, including 4 of 6 from three, in Indiana's 121-109 win. He also added six rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals.

Seeing Oladipo tonight, knowing he will soon be suiting up for Team LeBron on All-Star Weekend, will be another painful reminder of what could have been in Orlando. As will seeing Domantas Sabonis, who has been starting in place of the injured Myles Turner (questionable for Saturday). The 21-year old big man is averaging 12.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this season, earning a spot in the Rising Star game at All-Star Weekend.

The Pacers, who are kicking off a three-game homestand, will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back, having lost to the Cavaliers, 115-108, on Friday.

Frank Vogel, returning to the place where his coaching career began, will be expecting more fight from the Magic than they showed in their disappointing loss to the lowly Kings. A loss that came after a string of encouraging performances from the Magic, including a victory over the top-seeded Celtics on their home court just about 48 hour prior.

Let's hope Vogel's postgame press conference isn't quite as depressing tonight.

Tip is set for 7 p.m. at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indiana. Join the discussion below!