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Pacers injury report vs. Pistons: Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin pop up

Andrew Nembhard returns to the injury report.

ByElie Deglaoui|
Dec 19, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 19, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

For the first time in nearly two weeks, the Indiana Pacers will travel back home to take on the Detroit Pistons after their two-game series against the San Antonio Spurs in Paris. Tonight marks the fourth and final time these two teams will face each other this season, barring a playoff matchup. The Pacers currently lead the season series 2-1.

Like the Pacers, the Pistons began 2025 on a good note, winning seven of their first eight games of the year. However, they have come back down to earth and have lost four of their last six games and are in the midst of a two-game losing streak.

Here is the full injury report for the Pacers and Pistons ahead of their series finale tonight.

1/29 Pacers injury report vs. Pistons

  • RayJ Dennis (G League) - QUESTIONABLE
  • Enrique Freeman (G League) - DOUBTFUL
  • Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) - OUT
  • Quenton Jackson (G League) - DOUBTFUL
  • Bennedict Mathurin (illness) - QUESTIONABLE
  • Andrew Nembhard (back) - QUESTIONABLE
  • James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT

One of the most notable Pacers on the injury report is Andrew Nembhard, who is listed as questionable due to a back injury. Little is known about Nembhard's injury, but he is considered day-to-day. Nembhard has missed just two games since returning from his knee injury on December 1. Additionally, Bennedict Mathurin is also listed as questionable due to an illness. If one or both of them are forced to miss tonight's game, the Pacers will rely more heavily on Aaron Nesmith, Ben Sheppard, and possibly Jarace Walker.

Enrique Freeman is another name to keep an eye on for the Pacers. Despite playing a minimal role for most of his rookie season, Freeman is a candidate to have his two-way contract converted to a standard one by the end of the season. Until then, however, he will still spend most of his time in the G League.

1/29 Pistons injury report vs. Pacers

  • Ron Harper Jr. (G League) - OUT
  • Jaden Ivey (leg) - OUT
  • Daniss Jenkins (G League) - OUT
  • Tolu Smith (G League) - OUT

Pistons guard Jaden Ivey, who was in the midst of a career year, suffered a season-ending leg injury at the beginning of the month. On the year, he was averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4 assists, and shot 46% from the field and 40.9% from beyond the arc.

The Pistons will also be without Ron Harper Jr., Daniss Jenkins, and Tolu Smith because of G League assignments.

Projected starting lineups

Indiana Pacers

PG: Tyrese Haliburton
SG: Andrew Nembhard
SF: Bennedict Mathurin
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Myles Turner

Detroit Pistons

PG: Cade Cunningham
SG: Tim Hardaway Jr.
SF: Ausar Thompson
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Jalen Duren

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