The Indiana Pacers visit the Detroit Pistons on Monday night at Little Caesars Arena, both teams facing key injuries that could shape the outcome of their first 2025-26 meeting.
Indiana enters at 1-12, struggling to find consistency after losses to the Suns (98-133) and Raptors (111-129).
Tyrese Haliburton remains out with a torn right Achilles tendon, while Aaron Nesmith is sidelined with a left MCL sprain. Bennedict Mathurin is questionable due to a right great toe sprain, and Obi Toppin continues to recover from a right foot stress fracture. Johnny Furphy (left ankle), Quenton Jackson (right hamstring), and Kam Jones (lower back) are all unavailable.
Pascal Siakam carries the scoring load for the Pacers, averaging 24.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, while Andrew Nembhard adds 6.5 assists. Mathurin has contributed 31 points per contest despite his injury status, and Nembhard also averages 18 points per game.
Detroit has its own injury concerns, though the team remains atop the Eastern Conference at 11-2. Cade Cunningham is questionable with a left hip contusion, while Ausar Thompson is listed questionable with a right ankle sprain. Tobias Harris is out with a right ankle injury, and Jaden Ivey continues his recovery from right knee arthroscopy. Bobi Klintman (left ankle) and Marcus Sasser (right hip) are also sidelined. Jalen Duren is probable despite a right ankle sprain, providing Detroit stability in the frontcourt.
Cunningham leads Detroit with 27.5 points and 9.9 assists per game, while Duren averages 19.4 points and 12 rebounds. Thompson contributes 13.9 points and tops the team in steals at 1.8 per game, tied with Ron Holland II. Isaiah Stewart provides 6.7 rebounds, helping maintain control in the paint despite injuries.
