The Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers face injury challenges as they prepare for their first matchup of the 2025-26 season on Friday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Both teams have key contributors sidelined, which could significantly affect rotations and strategy.
Indiana will be without six players, including Tyrese Haliburton (right Achilles tendon, torn) and Aaron Nesmith (left knee, MCL sprain). Quenton Jackson (right hamstring), Johnny Furphy (left ankle), Kam Jones (lower back), and Obi Toppin (right foot) are also out, leaving the Pacers with a thin roster as they enter Friday’s game with a 2-13 record.
Cleveland has a smaller but notable list of injury concerns. Jarrett Allen (right 3rd finger) and Darius Garland (left great toe) are listed as questionable. Jaylon Tyson (head, concussion) is also questionable, while Chris Livingston and Luke Travers are unavailable on two-way assignments, and Max Strus (left foot, Jones fracture surgery) and Sam Merrill (right hand) remain out. The Cavaliers hold a 10-6 record entering the contest.
The Pacers will rely heavily on Bennedict Mathurin, who leads the team with 27.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Pascal Siakam is second in scoring (24.7) and contributes 6.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per contest, while Andrew Nembhard leads in assists (6.3 per game).
For the Cavaliers, Donovan Mitchell remains the offensive focal point, averaging 30.2 points and 5.3 assists per game. Evan Mobley adds 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds, while De’Andre Hunter contributes 18.0 points and 4.7 rebounds. Allen’s potential absence could put additional pressure on Mobley and Mitchell in the frontcourt.
Recent form shows contrasting trends. Indiana snapped a brief two-game skid with a 127-118 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on November 19 but lost to the Detroit Pistons 127-112 on November 17. Cleveland dropped a 114-104 decision to the Houston Rockets after beating the Milwaukee Bucks 118-106 two days earlier.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
