The Indiana Pacers are facing a tough start to the 2025-26 NBA season, plagued by injuries and coming off a recent defeat against the Golden State Warriors. After reaching the NBA Finals less than a year ago, they now stand at a worrying 1-9. Could they be headed for a battle for the No. 1 pick?
Tonight, they face the Utah Jazz, a team in its rebuilding phase with a 3-7 record. The Jazz are also coming off a loss, having been defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Lauri Markkanen and his teammates are determined to secure a win on the second night of a back-to-back.
Pacers Injury Woes Deepen
The Pacers' injury list is extensive, with Johnny Furphy, Quenton Jackson, Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Obi Toppin all sidelined. T.J. McConnell and Taelon Peter are listed as questionable, further complicating matters for the team. The Jazz injury report is yet to be submitted, leaving their availability uncertain.
Key Matchup: Nesmith's Three-Point Threat
With several key players out for the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith is poised to play a significant role. He's currently shooting 36.6% from beyond the arc, averaging 7.9 attempts per game. He has a favourable matchup against the Jazz who rank 28th in the NBA in opponent 3-pointers allowed per game. Nesmith should have plenty of opportunities to score from beyond the arc.
Prediction
Given the Pacers' extensive injury list and the Jazz's determination to bounce back from their loss, the Jazz might just have the edge in this interconference battle. However, the Pacers' desperation for a win could also fuel an unexpected performance.
Game Details
- Date: Tuesday, Nov. 11
- Time: 9:00 p.m. EST (That's 4:00 AM Wednesday morning, South African time!)
- Venue: Delta Center
- How to Watch (TV): KJZZ, FanDuel Sports Network (Local)