The Pacers (2-4, 11th in the East) have lost three straight and meet the 0-5 Nets today with five rotation players out. The opponent is the weakest team in the league by net rating, but Indiana's own defense gives it little cushion.
Five rotation players out
Haliburton, Zubac, McConnell, Sheppard and Furphy are all out. By our count that removes 111 minutes a game from the rotation today, and 1,002 minutes since opening night, third most among the 30 teams. The work has fallen to Quenton Jackson and Kobe Brown, who have played nine and ten more minutes a night than their season averages over the last three games.
A defense level with Brooklyn's
Indiana allows 115.6 points per 100 possessions this season, over six games. Brooklyn allows 115.2 over five. That is thin footing against a team that has lost every game, though the Pacers beat the Nets 136-109 on October 25. Brooklyn is short too: Mikel Brown Jr., Egor Demin and Tyler Bilodeau are out, which leaves Julius Randle at 21.0 points and Michael Porter Jr. at 20.8 to carry the load.
Help arrives in stages
Nesmith and Toppin carry estimated returns of today. Zubac and McConnell are estimated back November 2 against Atlanta, and Haliburton November 13. Memphis follows on November 4. The open question is whether Indiana can end a three-game slide before that help arrives, since a loss to a winless team would cost more than the standings.
Who is out for the Pacers against the Nets?
Haliburton, Zubac, McConnell, Sheppard and Furphy are out. Nesmith and Toppin are listed with hamstring and back problems, each with an estimated return of today.
When is Tyrese Haliburton expected back?
His estimated return is November 13, as he recovers from a left hamstring injury. Until then Indiana plays on without its top assist man at 9.5 a game.
