Indiana Pacers must traverse cautiously. As the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, only one loss out of the fourth, they could improve or ruin their playoff picture with a trade. A recent report mentioned a Pacers wing in a potential trade with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Indiana guard Bennedict Mathurin is being monitored by nearly every team seen as a buyer at the deadline, according to one scouting executive. But because the Pacers are playing such good

The Indiana Pacers have been on a roll lately and are currently the fifth team in the East with a 26-20 record. But just because they have gone 8-2

Mathurin (illness) is out for Wednesday's game against the Pistons, Tony East of WTHR Channel 13 Indianapolis reports.

This is only a one-game suspension, so Mathurin will be back on Saturday for the game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Pacers are going to need him for as many games as possible because of the scoring and rebounding he brings to the roster. So far this season, Mathurin is averaging 16.5 points, six points, and two assists per game.

Detroit blew out Indiana in their last meeting at Gainbridge Fieldhouse but failed to cover twice against the Pacers at home. The Stones have also failed to defend Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin effectively.

Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin "is being monitored by nearly every team seen as a buyer at the deadline," according to the Los Angeles Times'

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is a basketball lifer. He's played with Boston Celtics legends like Larry Bird. When Carlisle compliments a player, it comes from a genuine place. After Wednesday's 133-119 victory over the Detroit Pistons, the veteran head coach admired a Pacers star for his "stellar" performance.

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be very active ahead of the February 6th trade deadline. With a 26-19 record and a team that has very much overachieved this season, their roster is in a prime position to be improved.

Sheppard chipped in 12 points (4-6 FG, 4-6 3Pt), two rebounds, four assists and one steal in 33 minutes during Wednesday's 133-119 victory over the Pistons. With Bennedict Mathruin battling an illness,

With the trade deadline just over a week away, several teams are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of talent.