Just two days after the Cleveland Cavaliers handed them their first loss of 2025, the Indiana Pacers are looking to bounce back against the Detroit Pistons, who also have just one loss in the new year. Tonight marks the third of four times both teams go head-to-head this season, with each team winning one game in the season series so far.
Indiana is just one game back of the Milwaukee Bucks and the No. 4 seed, whereas the Pistons are just half a game behind the Pacers for the No. 6 seed.
Here is the full injury report ahead of tonight's game between the Pacers and Pistons.
1/16 Pacers injury report vs. Pistons
- RayJ Dennis (G League) - QUESTIONABLE
- Enrique Freeman (G League) - QUESTIONABLE
- Tyrese Haliburton (groin) - QUESTIONABLE
- Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) - OUT
- Quenton Jackson (G League) - QUESTIONABLE
- Bennedict Mathurin (suspension) - OUT
- Aaron Nesmith (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
- James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT
Tyrese Haliburton suffered what was initially believed to be a hamstring injury against the Cavaliers last Sunday. He sat out the entire second half and the following game against Cleveland on Tuesday. Since then, head coach Rick Carlisle revealed that Haliburton is dealing with a groin injury, not a hamstring injury. If he is unable to go once again, the Pacers will likely continue to start Andrew Nembhard at point guard.
Despite Haliburton's presence on the injury report, arguably the biggest news is that Aaron Nesmith is now listed as questionable. Nesmith has been out of action since November 1 due to an ankle injury. It is unclear how much he will play if he returns tonight, but it is fair to assume he will be on a minutes restriction.
Bennedict Mathurin is out against the Pistons, but not because of an injury. In Indiana's loss to Cleveland on Tuesday, the Canadian native bumped into a game official and was ejected. Because of the interaction, the NBA suspended him for one game. With Mathurin out, especially if Nesmith does not return tonight, the Pacers may start Jarace Walker.
1/16 Pistons injury report vs. Pacers
- Ron Harper Jr. (G League) - OUT
- Jaden Ivey (leg) - OUT
- Daniss Jenkins (G League) - OUT
- Bobi Klintman (G League) - OUT
- Tolu Smith (G League) - OUT
The Pistons will be without Jaden Ivey, who suffered a leg injury early in the new year. Ivey underwent surgery and will be re-evaluated in a few weeks. On the season, he is averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.
Projected starting lineups
Indiana Pacers
PG: Andrew Nembhard
SG: Ben Sheppard
SF: Jarace Walker
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Myles Turner
Detroit Pistons
PG: Cade Cunningham
SG: Tim Hardaway Jr.
SF: Ausar Thompson
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Jalen Duren