Fieldhouse Files' Scott Agness reported that Nembhard and Nesmith are probable for Friday in Miami, while Haliburton and Zubac are out. The 2-3 Pacers, 10th in the conference after two straight losses, face a 1-4 Heat team carrying a 116.8 defensive rating.
The ball finds a handler
Nembhard's neck and Nesmith's hamstring were the worries after the Philadelphia loss, and both are expected to go. That matters with Haliburton's estimated return set for November 13 and McConnell's for November 2. Nembhard has averaged 7.8 assists across four appearances, so for now he sets the tempo. 8 Points, 9 Seconds wrote that he excelled as Haliburton's replacement against the Sixers.
A Heat defense that leaks
Miami is 1-4 with a 116.8 defensive rating and a -8.4 net rating. Giannis Antetokounmpo averages 27.6 points with 11.2 rebounds, and Bam Adebayo adds 14.2 points. With Zubac out, Siakam carries the frontcourt at 24.0 points and 8.4 rebounds, with Jay Huff and Larry Nance Jr. behind him. Simone Fontecchio is listed with an illness. Both teams play at nearly the same speed, 103.8 for Miami and 103.3 for Indiana, so the side that makes the extra pass will get the better shots.
Who takes the last possessions
The bench has grown with the injury list. Over the last three games, Kobe Brown has played 10 more minutes a night with a teammate out, and Taelon Peter nine more. 8 Points, 9 Seconds called Indiana's late-game play without Haliburton an anchor around the team's neck. The open question tonight is who runs the offense in the final minutes, before Brooklyn comes to Indianapolis on November 1 and Atlanta on November 2.
Is Tyrese Haliburton playing against the Heat?
No. He is out with a left hamstring strain, and his estimated return is November 13.
When is Ivica Zubac expected back for the Pacers?
Zubac is out in Miami with a left ankle injury. His estimated return is November 1, when Indiana hosts Brooklyn.
