Overview
- The Pacers’ official injury report listed eight players out Monday, with Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac — the club’s projected starting five — all confirmed unavailable.
- With Larry Nance Jr. listed as doubtful and Obi Toppin questionable, the team could have only seven players eligible to play, and three of those seven are two-way contract players.
- Indiana will dress Obi Toppin despite a lumbar sprain to meet the NBA requirement that teams have eight players in uniform even though the club does not plan to use him in the game.
- The mass unavailability removes key creators and interior defenders, a disruption that has contributed to a four-game losing streak and the Pacers’ 2-5 start to the season.
- The Hawks are healthier but not untouched, with Jalen Johnson listed questionable for a left-ankle sprain and Jock Landale out for a left-hip strain, factors that will influence matchup and rotation choices.