On October 27, Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith were added to the injury list with left hamstring issues, and Obi Toppin with a left hand problem. Indiana sits ninth in the East at 2-2 and hosts Philadelphia tonight.
Four starters, one question
Fieldhouse Files reported that four of the five starters are on the injury list and that Haliburton is the fifth Pacer with a hamstring problem since camp. The same outlet listed Nesmith and Toppin as probable. Andrew Nembhard still has a neck issue. Zubac and McConnell are both sidelined until October 30, and two knee injuries keep Sheppard out until December 1 and Furphy out until January 2. A team that wins by moving the ball needs its passers healthy, and Indiana is short of them.
Maxey sets Philadelphia's tempo
Nick Nurse's 76ers play at a pace of 104.4, a little faster than Indiana's 103.5. Tyrese Maxey is averaging 28.8 points, Joel Embiid 21.7 points and 9.7 rebounds, and Jaylen Brown 20.8 points. Philadelphia is missing Dominick Barlow, Ariel Hukporti, Jabari Walker and Tacko Fall. If Haliburton is limited, Indiana can't win a fast game against a team built to play one.
Where the minutes went
In Milwaukee the reserves scored 30 to the starters' 70. Toppin scored 14 on 6-of-13 shooting. Jarace Walker had 10 points and 8 rebounds in 29 minutes but made 3 of 12 shots. With teammates missing over the last three games, Kobe Brown has played 10 more minutes a night, and Quenton Jackson and Taelon Peter 9 more each. The open question is who runs the offense if Haliburton cannot, with McConnell out and the Emirates NBA Cup game at Miami on October 30.
Is Tyrese Haliburton playing tonight against the 76ers?
He is on the injury list with a left hamstring issue, and his listed return date is today, October 28. No final decision on whether he plays has been announced.
When will Ivica Zubac return for the Pacers?
Zubac is sidelined with a left ankle injury. His listed return date is October 30, when Indiana plays at Miami.
