Despite starting the 2024-25 season with a disappointing 1-3 record, the Indiana Pacers flipped the switch at the right time. On Wednesday night, the Pacers defeated the reigning champion Boston Celtics in a thrilling overtime victory and handed them their first loss of the season. Furthermore, the Pacers looked like their old selves, recording 135 points in the game.
The Pacers look to build off this momentum as they will go on the road to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. New Orleans, who made their second playoff appearance last season since 2018, is on a three-game losing streak after starting the season 2-0. This includes back-to-back road losses to the Golden State Warriors.
While early in the season still, this matchup is an important one for both teams. However, they could each be without a few of their key players. This is the full injury report for the Pacers and Pelicans ahead of their game on November 1.
Pacers injury report vs. Pelicans on November 1
- Andrew Nembhard (knee) - QUESTIONABLE
- Myles Turner (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
- James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT
Pelicans injury report vs. Pacers on November 1
- Daniel Theis (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
- Yves Missi (right lower) abdominal contusion - QUESTIONABLE
- Jordan Hawkins (lower back spasms) - QUESTIONABLE
- Herbert Jones (shoulder) - OUT
- CJ McCollum (thigh) - OUT
- Dejounte Murray (hand) - OUT
- Trey Murphy III (hamstring) - OUT
Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard only played five minutes in the team's win against the Celtics on Wednesday. According to head coach Rick Carlisle, the Canadian native is dealing with tendinitis and was seemingly a game-time decision going into the matchup, despite not officially being listed as such. If he misses the game against New Orleans, it is likely that Bennedict Mathurin will start in his place.
Myles Turner, on the other hand, did not play against Boston as he was ruled out due to an ankle injury. However, he is listed as day-to-day and should return to the court soon, if not against New Orleans. If he is inactive once again, Isaiah Jackson should start in his place.
While the Pacers are dealing with some key injuries, it is evidently not as bad as what the Pelicans are going through right now. Daniel Theis, Yves Missi, and Jordan Hawkins are all listed as questionable. Each of them has played a relatively significant role for the Pelicans to begin the season, and losing them for any time would be a big blow to the team.
Herbert Jones, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, missed Wednesday's game against Golden State and will officially miss Friday's game against New Orleans as well. Additionally, CJ McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Trey Murphy III, all major players on the roster, have also been ruled out against the Pacers.