The Indiana Pacers defeated the Miami Heat on Thursday night to take home their first win of the new year. They will now return home to take on the Phoenix Suns and aim to go 2-0 to begin 2025. This will be the second time the Pacers and Suns go head-to-head this season, with their first matchup on December 19 culminating in a 120-111 win for Indiana.
With a 17-18 record, the Pacers have an opportunity to get back to .500 with a victory. Additionally, as the No. 8 seed in the East, they will look to climb the standings and sit comfortably in the playoff picture.
Here is the full injury report for the Pacers and Suns.
1/4 Pacers injury report vs. Suns
- RayJ Dennis (G League) - OUT
- Enrique Freeman (G League) - DOUBTFUL
- Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) - OUT
- Quenton Jackson (G League) - DODUBTFUL
- Aaron Nesmith (ankle) - OUT
- James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT
There are no surprises on the Pacers' injury report. Aaron Nesmith, though progressing towards a return, remains on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.
One new name on the report is RayJ Dennis, who the Pacers recently signed to a two-way contract. The Illinois native spent last season with the Los Angeles Clippers' G League affiliate. Dennis could get some playing time in Indiana at some point this season, but it will not happen against Phoenix.
1/4 Suns injury report vs. Pacers
- Bradley Beal (hip) - QUESTIONABLE
- Jalen Bridges (G League) - OUT
- Oso Ighodaro (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
- Collin Gillespie (G League) - OUT
- Tyus Jones (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
- Jusuf Nurkic (suspension) - OUT
- Royce O'Neale (ankle) - OUT
The Suns will be short-handed in their battle in Indiana. Bradley Beal is listed as questionable on the team's injury report due to a hip injury. Beal, who is now in his second season with the Suns, is averaging 18.2 points on 48.9% shooting from the field this season.
Additionally, starting point guard Tyus Jones, who has started all 32 games for the Suns this season, popped up on the injury report due to an illness. The former Sixth Man of the Year candidate is averaging 12.6 points and 6.3 assists this season.
Jusuf Nurkic, the Suns' starting center, is serving the final game of his three-game suspension due to an on-court scuffle against the Dallas Mavericks late in December.
Phoenix will also be without Royce O'Neale, who will miss his second consecutive game due to an ankle injury. O'Neale is averaging a career-high 10.5 points this season while shooting 44.1% from beyond the arc.
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: Mason Plumlee