After arguably their best win of the season against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, the Indiana Pacers will take on the 5-21 New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday. This marks the third and final team these two teams go head-to-head this season. The season series stands at 1-1 with the Pacers winning their most recent battle on November 25.
The Pacers currently own an 11-15 record and rank as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. After an underwhelming start, the Pacers finally made a notable move, trading for backup center Thomas Bryant from the Miami Heat.
Ahead of today's game against the Pelicans, here is the full injury report for the Pacers, including an update on if Bryant will make his debut today.
12/15 Pacers injury report vs. Pelicans
- Thomas Bryant (recently traded) - AVAILABLE
- Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) - OUT
- Aaron Nesmith (ankle) - OUT
- Ben Sheppard (oblique) - OUT
- James Wiseman (Achilles) - OUT
According to Pacers beat writer Tony East, Thomas Bryant is set to make his Pacers debut today against New Orleans. Bryant was not trade-eligible until today, which is the reason it took a couple of days for the trade to become official. Regardless, the former Indiana Hoosier is available and will likely assume a relatively large role as the team's only backup center behind Myles Turner.
As for the rest of the report, there are no surprises for Indiana.
12/15 Pelicans injury report vs. Pacers
- Jose Alvarado (hamstring) - OUT
- Javonte Green (ankle) - QUESTIONABLE
- Jordan Hawkins (back) - OUT
- Brandon Ingram (ankle) - OUT
- Karlo Matkovic (back) - OUT
- Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (illness) - OUT
- Zion Williamson (hamstring) - OUT
Star Zion Williamson has only appeared in six games for the Pelicans this season after suffering a hamstring injury. It is unclear when Williamson will make his on-court return, but he will not play against the Pacers on Sunday.
Javonte Green, who is in his first season with the Pelicans, has missed each of the team's last two games and is questionable against the Pacers due to an ankle injury. Additionally, Brandon Ingram has been out of action for a week also due to an ankle injury. However, he remains out indefinitely.
Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado suffered a hamstring injury in mid-November. Though he is expected to make his return within the next couple of games, New Orleans has already ruled him out against Indiana.
Karlo Matkovic and Jordan Hawkins are each out due to a back injury. Both players have missed the last couple of weeks for the Pelicans and have no timetable for their return. The Pelicans will also be without Jeremiah Robinson-Earl for the second consecutive game due to an illness.
Projected starting lineups
Indiana Pacers
PG: Tyrese Haliburton
SG: Andrew Nembhard
SF: Bennedict Mathurin
PF: Pascal Siakam
C: Myles Turner
New Orleans Pelicans
PG: Dejounte Murray
SG: CJ McCollum
SF: Trey Murphy III
PF: Herbert Jones
C: Yves Missi