After pulling off a surprising 117-114 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, the Indiana Pacers are looking to carry that momentum into Monday’s matinee matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. ET, and it marks the final stop on Indiana’s five-game road trip - a stretch that’s tested the depth and resilience of a team still trying to find its footing this season.
At 11-35, the Pacers have had more than their fair share of struggles, but Friday’s victory showed flashes of what this group can be when things click - gritty, opportunistic, and capable of pulling off an upset. Now they’ll try to replicate that energy against a Hawks team that’s trying to claw its way back into the Eastern Conference mix.
The last time these two teams met was on Halloween night, and it wasn’t pretty for Indiana. Atlanta rolled to a 128-108 win - one of three straight victories the Hawks have notched over the Pacers. But Monday brings a new setting, new stakes, and a pair of rosters that look a lot different than they did back in October.
Where the Hawks Stand
Atlanta enters this matchup sitting in the 10th spot in the East, clinging to play-in positioning. After dropping four straight, the Hawks have bounced back with two consecutive wins, trying to build a little consistency in a season that’s been anything but. They’ve been hit hard by injuries, and that trend continues heading into Monday.
Hawks Injury Report
- N'Faly Dante (knee) - Out The rookie big man had surgery in December to repair a torn ACL and is done for the season.
- Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) - Out Porzingis has been sidelined since January 7 with left Achilles tendinitis. He’s appeared in just 17 games this season - his first with Atlanta - and there’s still no clear timeline for his return.
- Zaccharie Risacher (knee) - Out The No. 1 overall pick in 2024 has been dealing with a left knee bone contusion, also since January 7. He’s expected to be re-evaluated soon, but he won’t be available for this one.
- RayJ Dennis, Nikola Djurisic, Caleb Houstan, Asa Newell - Doubtful All four are either nursing minor injuries or on G League assignments, and none are expected to suit up against Indiana.
That’s a significant chunk of Atlanta’s depth, particularly in the frontcourt, where Porzingis and Dante would’ve provided size and rim protection. Without them, the Hawks will need to lean more heavily on their backcourt and wing play to carry the load.
Pacers Injury Report
- Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) - Out The All-Star guard remains sidelined, and his absence continues to loom large. Without Haliburton’s playmaking, Indiana has had to get creative with how they generate offense.
- Obi Toppin (foot) - Out Toppin’s athleticism and energy have been missed, especially in transition. He’s not expected to return just yet.
- Taelon Peter (two-way) - Out
- Ethan Thompson (two-way) - Probable
- Quenton Jackson (ankle) - Questionable Jackson missed Friday’s win over OKC with a right ankle sprain. He’s listed as questionable for Monday, and his status will be one to watch, especially if Indiana needs a spark off the bench.
- Bennedict Mathurin (thumb) - Questionable Mathurin hasn’t played since January 2 due to a right thumb sprain, but he’s been upgraded to questionable - a sign that he may be nearing a return. If he’s able to go, it would be a huge boost for Indiana’s offense.
What to Watch
With both teams missing key pieces, this game could come down to who gets the better production from their supporting cast. Atlanta’s backcourt has been the engine, and with Porzingis out, expect them to push the pace and try to exploit Indiana’s defense in transition.
For the Pacers, Friday’s win showed that even without Haliburton, they can hang with playoff-caliber teams when the ball moves and the defense locks in. If Mathurin is able to return, his scoring punch could be the X-factor.
This isn’t a marquee matchup on paper, but it’s a meaningful one for both squads. The Hawks are trying to stay in the play-in picture, while the Pacers are looking to build on a rare bright spot in a tough season. Don’t be surprised if this one goes down to the wire.