After playing three of their first four games of the 2024-25 NBA season on the road, the Indiana Pacers will head back home and host the reigning champion Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference Finals rematch.
Despite both teams competing against each other for an NBA Finals appearance earlier this year, both teams are in completely different positions to start the new campaign. While the Celtics are 4-0 (one of three undefeated teams remaining) and look dominant, the Pacers have struggled, starting the season with a 1-3 record.
Nonetheless, tonight is a big opportunity for the Pacers to make a statement on national television and get back on track. Unfortunately for them, they may be shorthanded as they attempt to give Boston their first loss of the season.
Pacers injury report vs. Celtics on October 30
- Myles Turner (left ankle sprain) - QUESTIONABLE
- Johnny Furphy (strep throat) - QUESTIONABLE
- James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT
Celtics injury report vs. Pacers on October 30
- Sam Hauser (back) - PROBABLE
- Kristaps Porzingis (left posterior tibialis tendon surgery rehabilitation) - OUT
For the second consecutive game, Pacers rookie Johnny Furphy is on the team's injury report due to strep throat. However, even if he is active, it is unlikely he will get much playing time against Boston, if any. Additionally, James Wiseman, who suffered a torn Achilles injury in the team's season opener, remains out and will potentially miss the remainder of the season.
Myles Turner, however, is a new addition to the injury report. He is reportedly dealing with a left ankle sprain and is a legitimate candidate to miss tonight's game. This is far from ideal for the Pacers for multiple reasons, but the biggest problem is that the team is already lacking depth at the center position, which was made worse following Wiseman's injury.
If Turner misses tonight's game, the Pacers will likely start Isaiah Jackson, who is averaging 6.3 points, 5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks through four games. Additionally, the Pacers will likely roll out numerous small-ball lineups, allowing Pascal Siakam, Obi Toppin, and/or Enrique Freeman to play spot minutes at center.
As for the Celtics, they are expected to get Sam Hauser back after missing each of the last three games due to a back injury. On the flip side, however, they will still be without Kristaps Porzingis for a little while longer as he is still recovering from his leg injury he suffered during the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks.