The Indiana Pacers will travel to South Beach and take on the Miami Heat in their first game of the new year. This will mark the third time these two teams went head-to-head this season, with both Indiana and Miami taking a game each in November. Additionally, after tonight, they will face each other just one more time the rest of the way.
After a five-game winning streak in the middle of December, the Pacers lost three of four games to end 2024. This included a 37-point loss to the Boston Celtics in an Eastern Conference Finals rematch and a blown 19-point lead that ended in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on New Year's Eve. Now in a new year, the Pacers are aiming to right the ship and take advantage of a fresh start.
Here is the full injury for the Pacers and Heat.
1/2 Pacers injury report vs. Heat
- Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) - OUT
- Aaron Nesmith (ankle) - OUT
- James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT
The Pacers are finally close to full health for the first time since the start of the season. Though Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman are done for the rest of the year, Indiana hopes to get Aaron Nesmith back on the court soon. He has been ruled out against Miami, however.
Unfortunately for Nesmith and the Pacers, there is still no timetable for his return. The 25-year-old has been out of action since November 1. However, head coach Rick Carlisle, via Indianapolis Star's Dustin Dopirak, recently revealed that Nesmith is making progress and showing improvement. Although Nesmith remains out and will likely be sidelined for the foreseeable future, this is a promising sign regardless.
In Nesmith's spot, the Pacers will continue to start Bennedict Mathurin and rely more heavily on players like Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker.
1/2 Heat injury report vs. Pacers
- Nikola Jovic (ankle) - AVAILABLE
- Josh Richardson (heel) - OUT
- Duncan Robinson (foot) - AVAILABLE
- Dru Smith (Achilles) - OUT
Despite being questionable due to an ankle injury, third-year forward Nikola Jovic is set to play against Indiana tonight. The 21-year-old is in the midst of a career year, averaging 8.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists on 44.9% shooting.
Furthermore, Duncan Robinson is also expected to suit up for Miami despite dealing with a foot injury. The Maine native is averaging 11.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this season.
Josh Richardson is set to miss his 19th straight game for the Heat due to a heel injury. Although he does not have a concrete timetable for his return, the veteran wing is listed as day-to-day.
Heat guard Dru Smith recently underwent season-ending Achilles surgery. The recently-turned 27-year-old recorded double-digit points in four of his last five games before the injury.
Projected starting lineups
Indiana Pacers
PG: Tyrese Haliburton
SG: Andrew Nembhard
SF: Bennedict Mathurin
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Myles Turner
Miami Heat
PG: Tyler Herro
SG: Duncan Robinson
SF: Jimmy Butler
PF: Haywood Highsmith
C: Bam Adebayo