The Indiana Pacers are riding a rare wave of momentum heading into Monday night’s home matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After picking up back-to-back wins, Indiana sits at 4-16-still deep in the standings, but showing signs of life.
Cleveland, meanwhile, is trending in the opposite direction. The Cavaliers have dropped three straight, including a tight 117-115 loss to the Celtics on Sunday, and are looking to stop the skid in Game 2 of their four-game season series with Indiana.
The first meeting between these two came back on November 21, when Cleveland took care of business with a 120-109 win. But both rosters look quite different heading into this one, thanks to lengthy injury reports on both sides.
Pacers Injury Report: Depth Tested Again
Indiana continues to be without several key rotation players, which has been a recurring theme this season. Tyrese Haliburton, the engine of the Pacers’ offense, remains sidelined with an Achilles injury.
Without him, Indiana’s ability to generate consistent offense takes a major hit. Haliburton’s absence forces the Pacers to lean more heavily on secondary playmakers and hope for a collective effort to keep the ball moving.
Joining him on the sidelines are Johnny Furphy (ankle), Quenton Jackson (hamstring), Kam Jones (back), Aaron Nesmith (knee), and Obi Toppin (foot). That’s six players out, including two key forwards in Nesmith and Toppin who bring energy and athleticism on both ends of the floor. With so many contributors unavailable, Indiana’s rotation will be stretched thin once again, and the margin for error shrinks considerably.
Cavaliers Injury Report: Key Starters Missing
Cleveland has its own injury woes to manage. Jarrett Allen will miss his fifth game in the last six due to a finger strain. Allen’s absence leaves a noticeable void in the paint, especially on defense and the glass, where his presence is often the difference-maker.
Darius Garland, who recently returned from a toe injury, is also out for this one. Garland had played in four of the Cavs’ last five games, averaging 16 points and over eight assists in that stretch while shooting a respectable 40% from deep. His playmaking and ability to create in the halfcourt will be sorely missed.
Lonzo Ball, who missed Sunday’s game in Boston for knee injury management, has now been ruled out due to illness. Ball has been working his way back into rhythm this season, averaging 5.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and just over five assists per game. His shooting has been a struggle-under 31% from the field and 28% from three-but his defensive instincts and passing still add value when he’s on the floor.
The Cavaliers will also be without Sam Merrill (hand), Larry Nance Jr. (calf), and Max Strus (foot). Merrill is set to miss his seventh straight game, Nance is out for a second consecutive contest, and Strus has yet to make his season debut after undergoing foot surgery in the offseason.
What to Watch
Both teams are limping into this one-literally and figuratively. The Pacers are trying to build on their modest win streak despite a depleted roster, while the Cavaliers are looking to stop the bleeding and regain footing in the Eastern Conference standings.
With so many key players out, expect this game to come down to who can better adapt with their supporting cast. Can Indiana’s role players continue to step up in Haliburton’s absence? Will Cleveland’s bench unit find a rhythm without Garland and Allen anchoring the starting lineup?
One thing’s for sure: Monday night’s matchup might not feature all the stars, but it’ll be a test of depth, resilience, and which team can make the most of what they’ve got. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET in Indianapolis.