After losing four of their last five games, the Indiana Pacers are now 6-9. Fresh off their conference finals run last season, Indiana's start to the 2024-25 season has been disappointing. However, one of the few teams around the NBA that has been even more underwhelming than the Pacers is tonight's opponent, the Milwaukee Bucks.
Despite starting their season 2-8, the Bucks now share a 6-9 record with the Pacers. Though it is still early in the campaign, tonight's game could be the turning point for both teams as they go head-to-head for the first time since the Pacers eliminated the Bucks in the first round of the playoffs last season. This is Indiana's final game of their three-game road trip before they enjoy a four-game home stand.
Ahead of tonight's playoff rematch, here is the full injury report for the Pacers and the Bucks.
11/22 Pacers injury report vs. Bucks
- Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) - OUT
- Andrew Nembahrd (knee) - OUT
- Aaron Nesmith (ankle) - OUT
- Ben Sheppard (oblique) - QUESTIONABLE
- Jarace Walker (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
- James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT
There are no notable changes to tonight's injury report for the Pacers. Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker are both listed as questionable once again. Sheppard has been out of action since Indiana's victory over the Miami Heat on Sunday. Walker, on the other hand, has yet to miss a game this season despite his illness.
Even if Sheppard and/or Walker are available to play tonight, there is a good chance neither of them will start for the Pacers. Instead, Quenton Jackson, who had a career game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, may be in line for another spot in the starting lineup.
11/22 Bucks injury report vs. Pacers
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (patella) - PROBABLE
- Khris Middleton (ankle) - OUT
- Ryan Rollins (shoulder) - OUT
The big name on Milwaukee's injury report is Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, he has only missed one game this season (a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 4) and will likely be on the court for Milwaukee tonight as well. On the year, the two-time MVP is averaging a league-leading 32.1 points per game. As always, he will be a difficult challenge for the Pacers.
Khris Middleton, on the flip side, continues to be out of action as he is recovering from an ankle injury. The 33-year-old has yet to make his season debut for the Bucks. However, per ESPN's Shams Charania, he was recently medically cleared and could return soon.
Furthermore, Ryan Rollins is set to miss his fifth consecutive game of the season due to a shoulder injury.
Projected starting lineups
Indiana Pacers
PG: Tyrese Haliburton
SG: Quenton Jackson
SF: Bennedict Mathurin
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Myles Turner
Milwaukee Bucks
PG: Damian Lillard
SG: Andre Jackson Jr.
SF: Taurean Prince
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Brook Lopez