For the first time this season, the 9-14 Indiana Pacers will travel to Chicago and take on the 10-13 Bulls. This will also mark Indiana's final game of their four-game road trip. The Pacers are looking to end a four-game skid, whereas the Bulls are looking to build off a two-game winning streak. Indiana is also set to take on old friend Jalen Smith for the first time since joining the Bulls this past offseason.
Here is the full injury report ahead of tonight's Pacers-Bulls matchup.
12/6 Pacers injury report vs. Bulls
- Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) - OUT
- Andrew Nembhard (knee, injury management) - QUESTIONABLE
- Aaron Nesmith (ankle) - OUT
- Ben Sheppard (oblique) - OUT
- James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT
The Pacers' injury report features no surprises. However, Andrew Nembhard once again is a name to monitor. The Canadian native recently returned from a 12-game absence due to a knee injury. Since his return, he has appeared in two games, playing fewer than 20 minutes in each one. Furthermore, the Pacers sat him out during their loss to the Nets on Wednesday, signaling they are easing him back into action.
If Nembhard is out again tonight, the Pacers could give rookie Johnny Furphy his first career start. Furphy played well against the Nets and may have earned himself an expanded role in the rotation.
12/6 Bulls injury report vs. Pacers
- Lonzo Ball (knee, injury management) - QUESTIONABLE
- Matas Buzelis (nose) - QUESTIONABLE
- Josh Giddey (foot) - PROBABLE
- Zach LaVine (back) - PROBABLE
- Coby White (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
- Patrick Williams (foot, injury management) - OUT
Lonzo Ball, who returned to the court this season after being sidelined for nearly three years, has appeared in six games for the Bulls, all off the bench. It is clear the Bulls are being very cautious with Ball, meaning there is a legitimate chance he does not suit up against the Pacers.
Zach LaVine, on the other hand, is listed as probable despite his back injury. The 29-year-old is averaging 21.3 points per game on 50.5% shooting.
Rookie Matas Buzelis, who has started to get extended playing time for the Bulls, is listed as questionable due to a nose injury. Furthermore, Coby White, who has missed the last two games for the Bulls, is also questionable due to an ankle injury.
Patrick Williams has missed each of Chicago's last eight games and has already been ruled out against the Pacers, though he is listed as day-to-day with a foot injury.
How to watch Pacers vs. Bulls, projected starting lineups
Here is a full guide to watch tonight's Pacers game with and without cable.
Projected starting lineups
Indiana Pacers
PG: Tyrese Haliburton
SG: Andrew Nembhard
SF: Bennedict Mathurin
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Myles Turner
Chicago Bulls
PG: Josh Giddey
SG: Ayo Dosunmu
SF: Zach LaVine
PF: Julian Phillips
C: Nikola Vucevic