NBA League Pass Spotlight: Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons (7 PM ET)

Here are five key points to keep in mind for the upcoming game:

Both teams finding their rhythm: With nearly identical records at the halfway point of the season, the Pacers and Pistons have played their best basketball over the last month. Both teams are 12-4 over their last 16 games, a stretch that has propelled them to at least two games over .500 for the first time this year. Over the last 15 games, Indiana’s offensive rating ranks fifth across the NBA (117.4), while Detroit’s comes in at ninth (114.6).Andrew Nembhard stepping up: With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined Tuesday with a mild groin injury, Nembhard took on playmaking responsibilities for the Pacers in Tuesday’s loss to the Cavaliers. The third-year guard put up 10 points, nine assists, four rebounds and three steals in 33 minutes. Over his last five games, Nembhard averaged 11 points, 5.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 30.4 minutes.Pacers go for fifth straight road win: Indiana’s loss on Tuesday ended their six-game win streak, but they still have the opportunity to get a fifth consecutive road victory in Detroit on Thursday night. The Pacers picked up impressive road wins over the NBA-leading Cavs, Miami Heat and Boston Celtics over the last couple of weeks.Tim Hardaway Jr. heating up: Hardaway Jr. has locked in recently for the Pistons, helping his team go 7-1 in January. He put up 26 points (10-15 FG, 6-9 3PT) in a win against Portland on Jan. 6, and followed it up with  27 points (9-13 FG, 7-8 3PT) in a win on Jan. 11 against Toronto. Over his last five outings, Hardaway Jr. has averaged 16 points while shooting 50.9% from the field and 51.4% from three-point range.A fast break battle: The Pistons and Pacers both excel in fast break scoring, with Detroit sitting at fifth (17.5) and Indiana checking in at eighth (16.9). However, the Pacers are also good at getting back and defending in transition, allowing the fourth fewest fast break points per game (12.8), while the Pistons give up 15.8 (18th). This could be the difference-maker between two of the hottest teams in the league right now.