Well, it wasn't exactly the first two games of the 2024-25 season that Sixers fans would have imagined this summer. Joel Embiid and Paul George are out, and the team has lost its first two games after Friday's ugly, foul-filled game against an undermanned and inferior Raptors team.

Friday's game wasn't it complete However, without any positives. Kelly Oubre Jr. showed versatility in scoring, from creating drives to his off-ball cutting, with an efficient 28 points. Guerschon Yabusele continued to show some of the qualities he brings as a physical, strong-guarding 4-pointer who aggressively rolls to the rim and finishes. Kyle Lowry was once again one of the best Sixers of the early season – he started and finished with 14 points on just five shots, two assists and three steals.

However, the Sixers will need more production from their supporting cast on Sunday as they conclude their two-game road trip with a matchup against the Pacers.

It will also be another shorthanded affair for Philly. We're still waiting for George to return as he's scheduled to be reevaluated after the team's road trip, and Embiid is also expected to remain out (as ESPN's Shams Charania reported when breaking news of the league's investigation into Embiid's player involvement reported).

The Pacers enter Sunday with a 1-1 record after being dominated by the Knicks in a 123-98 loss on Friday. Tyrese Haliburton also comes into the game in poor form. He's settled for plenty of threes so far, shooting just 6 of 18 in the Pacers' season opener against Detroit before going scoreless on 0 of 8 shots against the Knicks. However, if Haliburton can turn things around, the Pacers can provide a greater challenge to the Sixers along with Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard and solid backup players like Bennedict Mathurin and former Sixers favorite TJ McConnell.

With Nick Nurse returning Caleb Martin to the starting lineup in exchange for KJ Martin against the Raptors, it will be interesting to see if there are any more lineup changes given the Pacers' size. With Siakam to compete with at the 4 and the length of Turner defending the field, we may see Nurse add some size up front again with KJ Martin. The 6-foot-2 Yabusele's size and strength could also be useful in guarding Siakam.

Heading into Sunday's game, the Sixers especially need a more signature performance from Tyrese Maxey to get back on track. Offensively, it was a cold start to the season for him, as he shot just 29.6 percent from the floor and 19 percent from three in the first two games. The aggressiveness has not subsided and he has fired three shots, but the shots have not yet been fired (an adjusted shooting diet may also be helpful). If he's back to normal on Sunday, that alone would give the Sixers a chance to get their first win.

Let's see if the Sixers can get on the right track and compete with more success next week, as the debut of their new Big 3 will (hopefully) not be far away.

Game details

WHO: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Indiana Pacers
When: 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Regard: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic
Consequences: @LibertyBallers