The Indiana Pacers are riding a wave of momentum, picking up their fourth win in five games with a victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. But there’s no time to celebrate-next up is a tough road test against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons, who have opened 2026 with a 4-2 record.
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, and it’s the third of four meetings between these two squads this season.
So far, Detroit has taken both matchups.
But Saturday’s showdown won’t just be about standings-it’ll be about who’s available to suit up.
Pacers Injury Report: Depth Being Tested
Indiana will be without several key contributors, including star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who remains sidelined with an Achilles injury. That’s a major absence for a team that leans heavily on his playmaking and offensive engine.
Bennedict Mathurin (thumb), T.J. McConnell (knee, elbow), Andrew Nembhard (back), Aaron Nesmith (rest), Pascal Siakam (rest), and Obi Toppin (foot) are also ruled out. That’s a long list of unavailable players-many of whom play major rotation minutes.
McConnell and Nembhard are both dealing with injury management issues, and for Nembhard especially, it’s a tough break. Since the calendar flipped to 2026, the Canadian guard has stepped up in a big way, averaging 18.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and a steal per game. With Haliburton out, Nembhard had been shouldering more of the offensive load-and doing it well.
Meanwhile, Isaiah Jackson is listed as questionable. He hasn’t played since suffering a concussion on December 22, but this is the first time he’s been upgraded to questionable, signaling a possible return. Indiana could certainly use his energy and rim protection.
Two players-Taelon Peter and Ethan Thompson-are listed as probable while on assignment from the G League, and they may be called upon to help fill the void left by the injured regulars.
With so many rotation players sidelined, Indiana’s depth will be tested in a big way against a Pistons team that’s found its rhythm early in 2026.
Pistons Injury Report: Key Players Trending Toward Playing
Detroit’s injury list is shorter, and the good news for them is that their core contributors are mostly trending in the right direction.
Cade Cunningham, who returned Thursday against the Suns after a two-game absence due to a wrist contusion, is listed as probable. That’s a big boost for the Pistons-Cunningham has been nothing short of sensational this season, averaging 26.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.5 steals over 34 games. He’s the engine of Detroit’s offense and a legitimate All-Star-caliber talent.
Paul Reed, who missed the Suns game for personal reasons, is also probable to return. His presence adds a layer of versatility to Detroit’s frontcourt, especially on the defensive end.
Ausar Thompson is dealing with a heel contusion but is also listed as probable. He’s missed only four games this season and continues to be one of the more exciting young wings in the league, bringing athleticism and defensive tenacity to the Pistons' rotation.
The rest of Detroit’s injury report includes several G League assignments-Isaac Jones, Bobi Klintman, Chaz Lanier, Wendell Moore Jr., and Tolu Smith-all of whom are listed as out.
What to Watch
This game sets up as a classic “next man up” scenario for the Pacers. With Haliburton, Siakam, Mathurin, and Nembhard all unavailable, Indiana will need role players and young talent to step up in a big way. The question is whether they can generate enough offense and maintain defensive intensity against a Pistons squad that’s been clicking.
For Detroit, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and continuing to build chemistry with Cunningham back in the fold. If he’s anywhere near full strength, the Pistons will have a significant advantage in the backcourt.
It’s a tough ask for Indiana on the second night of a back-to-back, especially against the top seed in the East. But this is the kind of game that reveals a lot about a team’s resilience-and about which young players are ready for the spotlight.