The Indiana Pacers face a crucial matchup Sunday afternoon against the Philadelphia 76ers, and they will be bringing back a key member of their lineup just in time for a potential playoff matchup. According to The Athletic’s Scott Agness, Pacers big man Domantas Sabonis will return after missing the last five games with a left ankle sprain:

While Tyreke Evans will miss the contest, Sabonis’ return should help the Pacers in a matchup that could help decide playoff seedings in the Eastern Conference.

Currently, the Pacers remain a game ahead of the Sixers in the standings, and a win Sunday could go a long way in helping secure the third seed in the East. For the Sixers, a win would tie things up, and avoiding a potential playoff series against a fifth-seeded Boston Celtics squad is likely on both teams' minds as they get ready for the game.

Sabonis has been having a career year for the Pacers, averaging 14.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, all of which are highs in the young career of the Pacers big man. He's also shooting 61.0 percent from the field.

The Pacers will need Domantas Sabonis as they prepare for their big game against the Sixers. With Sixers star Joel Embiid also returning, Indiana having its own stud big man back is especially crucial.