When the Pacers and Kings pulled off a blockbuster, six-player trade on Feb. 8, fans of both teams quickly noted March 23 in their calendars – the date that Sacramento was scheduled to visit Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
On the eve of that date, Kings-turned-Pacers Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton downplayed its significance.
Hield insisted "it's just basketball." Haliburton said his family and friends are "behind the narrative" much more than he is.
But while they may not have the date circled in their calendars, there will certainly be added emotions for both players on Wednesday night.
Hield spent five years in Sacramento, acquired by the Kings from New Orleans as rookie in the DeMarcus Cousins trade in Feb.