After playing just two games since December 13 due to the NBA Cup, the Indiana Pacers are set to return to action on Thursday night against the Phoenix Suns. This will mark the first game of a three-game road trip for the Pacers.
Riding a two-game winning streak, the Pacers appear to potentially be turning things around. As they play the Suns for the first time this season, the Pacers will have a tough task in front of them.
Here is the full injury report for the Pacers and Suns, including an update on Ben Sheppard.
12/19 Pacers injury report vs. Suns
- Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) - OUT
- Aaron Nesmith (ankle) - OUT
- Ben Sheppard (oblique) - QUESTIONABLE
- James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT
Pacers guard Ben Sheppard has missed over a month of action due to an oblique injury. The last time the 23-year-old appeared in a game was during a victory over the Miami Heat on November 17. For the first time in a while, Sheppard has been upgraded to questionable.
If Sheppard is good enough to play, it is likely the Pacers will keep him on a minutes restriction. However, if he misses tonight's game against the Suns, there is a good chance that Sheppard will return to action for Indiana's next game. Whether it happens tonight or in the near future, it seems like Sheppard is finally close to full health.
Unfortunately, the team will continue to be without Aaron Nesmith, who still has no timetable for his return from injury.
12/19 Suns injury report vs. Pacers
- Bradley Beal (knee) - AVAILABLE
- Collin Gillespie (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
Suns guard Bradley Beal has missed each of the team's last two games. However, he is listed as available against the Pacers. Now in his second season with the Suns, Beal has continued to see his numbers go down.
In 15 games, Beal is averaging 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals. Additionally, he is shooting 49.3% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. While not entirely on the level of his days with the Washington Wizards, Beal is still a valuable guard with an incredible offensive game.
The Suns may, however, be without second-year guard Collin Gillespie. Gillespie has only appeared in one game for the Suns this season and is dealing with an ankle injury. Even if he is good to go against Indiana, it is likely he will not see a lot of playing time.
Projected starting lineups
Indiana Pacers
PG: Tyrese Haliburton
SG: Andrew Nembhard
SF: Bennedict Mathurin
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Myles Turner
Phoenix Suns
PG: Tyus Jones
SG: Devin Booker
SF: Bradley Beal
PF: Kevin Durant
C: Jusuf Nurkic