The Indiana Pacers travel to Atlanta on Monday, January 26, aiming to extend their one-game winning streak against the Hawks, who have won two in a row. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET at State Farm Arena.
Indiana faces a significant injury challenge with Tyrese Haliburton sidelined due to a right Achilles tendon tear. Quenton Jackson and Bennedict Mathurin are listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain and right thumb sprain, respectively. Obi Toppin remains out with a right foot stress fracture, while Taelon Peter is unavailable due to a G League two-way assignment. Ethan Thompson is probable for the contest.
The Pacers have struggled on the road this season, posting a 3-19 away record. Key contributors like Andrew Nembhard (17.7 points, 7.3 assists per game) and Pascal Siakam (23.8 points, 6.9 rebounds per game) will be relied upon heavily to navigate Atlanta’s home advantage.
Atlanta also enters with notable absences. Kristaps Porzingis sits out with left Achilles tendinitis, and N’Faly Dante misses action after tearing his right ACL. RayJ Dennis, Nikola Djurisic, Caleb Houston, and Asa Newell are all doubtful, primarily due to G League assignments or injuries. Zaccharie Risacher is unavailable with a left knee bone contusion.
The Hawks have posted an 8-13 record at home, while Indiana has struggled in away games. Atlanta’s top performers include Jalen Johnson (23.2 points, 10.5 rebounds per game) and Nickeil Alexander-Walker (20.3 points, 3.5 assists per game), providing scoring and playmaking for the hosts. Onyeka Okongwu contributes 16.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per contest.
In the only prior meeting this season, Atlanta defeated Indiana 128-108 on October 31. Both teams enter the matchup with contrasting momentum, with the Pacers coming off a 117-114 win over Oklahoma City and the Hawks fresh off a 110-103 victory against Phoenix.
