The Indiana Pacers are back at home Tuesday night, hosting the Utah Jazz at 7 p.m. ET in what will be their final game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse before embarking on a six-game road trip.
These two teams last met on November 11, a night that saw Utah light up the scoreboard in a 152-128 victory. As they get set for the rematch, both sides are dealing with a lengthy list of injuries that could shape how this one plays out.
Pacers Injury Report: Depth Will Be Tested
Indiana will be without several key rotation players, including their All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who remains sidelined with an Achilles issue. That’s a major absence, especially against a Jazz team that put up over 150 points the last time these two met. Without Haliburton’s playmaking and floor leadership, the Pacers will once again need to rely on a committee approach to initiate offense.
Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin are both being held out for rest. Siakam has been a workhorse since joining Indiana, missing just two games all season, while Mathurin had only recently returned from a thumb injury and had logged four consecutive appearances. With both sitting, Indiana will have to dig even deeper into its bench.
T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard are also out, both due to injury management-McConnell for his left knee, Nembhard for his lower back. That’s two more ball-handlers off the board, further complicating the Pacers’ backcourt situation.
Aaron Nesmith is unavailable due to a left hand strain, and Obi Toppin will miss the game with a foot injury. Micah Potter is listed as questionable with a left hip contusion, and if he can’t go, Indiana’s frontcourt depth could take another hit.
On the brighter side, Quenton Jackson, Taelon Peter, and Ethan Thompson-all on two-way contracts-are listed as probable and could see extended minutes given the depleted roster. While they’re not household names, these are the kinds of opportunities that can spark something unexpected.
Jazz Injury Report: Short-Handed but Still Dangerous
Utah isn’t coming in at full strength either. The Jazz will be without Keyonte George, who’s nursing a left ankle sprain and missed Sunday’s game against Toronto. Walker Kessler remains out for the season with a shoulder injury suffered back in October, and Georges Niang is sidelined with a foot issue.
Kyle Anderson is questionable due to illness, and Kevin Love is listed as doubtful, also with an illness. However, Jusuf Nurkic, who was dealing with a similar issue, has been upgraded to available and should give Utah a much-needed interior presence.
The Jazz will also be without two-way players Elijah Harkless, John Tonje, and Oscar Tshiebwe, none of whom are expected to play a major role but still impact the team’s depth.
What to Watch
With both teams missing key contributors, this matchup could come down to which bench steps up. For Indiana, the absence of Haliburton, Siakam, and Mathurin leaves a massive void in both scoring and playmaking. That puts pressure on the remaining veterans and two-way players to keep the offense flowing.
For Utah, the continued absence of George and Kessler takes away both a dynamic guard and a defensive anchor. But if Nurkic can give them solid minutes and they get contributions from their supporting cast, they’ll still be a tough out.
This isn’t the cleanest matchup on paper given all the injuries, but it’s a compelling one. Two teams, both shorthanded, trying to find rhythm and identity in the dog days of the NBA season.
For Indiana, it’s the last chance to pick up a home win before hitting the road. For Utah, it’s a shot at a season sweep and a chance to build momentum.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET. Don’t be surprised if this one turns into a battle of the unexpected heroes.