Sixers Bell Ringer: Sixers drop their fifth consecutive game with road loss to the Pacers

A career game from Adem Bona wasn’t enough as the perpetually shorthanded Sixers fell to the Pacers

Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:

Jared McCain – 8

Joel Embiid – 7

Tyrese Maxey – 7

Paul George – 6

Guerschon Yabusele – 3

Kelly Oubre Jr – 2

Ricky Council IV – 2

KJ Martin – 2

Justin Edwards – 2

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The Sixers traveled to Indiana for a Saturday night tilt against the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The Sixers were looking to end their four-game losing streak and get back in the win column on the heels of the latest report that Joel Embiid would remain out for at least another 7-to-10 days before being re-evaluated with right knee swelling. The Sixers were also without Paul George and Guerschon Yabusele for this contest as they both popped up on the injury report this week. KJ Martin, Caleb Martin, Kyle Lowry and Jared McCain all remained out as well. Andre Drummond made his return to the lineup after an extended absence with a toe injury.

The Sixers trotted out their 25th different starting lineup of the season.

They trailed by a score of 28-23 after the first period. It was a very uneventful quarter as Tyrese Maxey led the scoring for the Sixers with just five points. The Sixers had several defensive breakdowns with matching up in transition and the Pacers hunted mismatches early with success.

The second quarter was a good one for the Sixers. Rookie Adem Bona turned in the best stretch of play of his young NBA career. Bona finished the half with 11 points, six rebounds, on 5-of-5 from the field, including a couple of thunderous dunks. Bona’s 11 points were good for a career high with still a whole half of basketball to play. Solid play from Maxey and Kelly Oubre, Jr. helped the Sixers pull within just two points at intermission as they trailed by a score of 61-59 at the close of quarter No. 2.

The Pacers created some separation in the third quarter behind some superb play from Myles Turner and their bench. Maxey kept the Sixers in striking distance as he’d finish the third quarter with 23 points finding plenty of success inside the arc. The Pacers led 89-80 headed to the final frame.

Indiana kept the Sixers at arm’s length the entire fourth quarter behind a continued strong performance from their bench and an early fourth quarter surge from Pascal Siakam. The Pacers handed the Sixers their fifth consecutive defeat by a final score of 115-102.

Now for the Bell Ringer

Tyrese Maxey: 28 points, 10-of-23 from the field, 6-of-6 from the free throw line

Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images

Tyrese Maxey once again led the undermanned Sixers in scoring. Maxey poured in 28 points and found a lot of success attacking the rim and in the midrange. He once again struggled to find his stroke from deep as he has often this season. Maxey also showed well defensively in this one forcing the Pacers guards into some tough shots and stymieing drives.

Adem Bona: 12 points, six rebounds, 5-of-5 from the field

Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images

Adem Bona put together his best performance of his young NBA career in this one. He scored a career-high 12 points and pulled down six rebounds, four of which came on the offensive end. Bona showcased his elite vertical pop as he skied for a few monster dunks in this one. Bona has shown to be a much better defender and rim deterrent than the Sixers’ other big man options off the bench. This performance should lead to some extended run for Bona, especially with Joel Embiid remaining sidelined.