The Indiana Pacers and Portland Trail Blazers are set to meet at the Moda Center on Sunday at 9:00 PM ET, with both teams facing significant injury concerns.
For the Pacers, Johnny Furphy (right ACL tear) and Tyrese Haliburton (right Achilles tendon tear) are confirmed out. Andrew Nembhard (neck and lower back soreness) and Taelon Peter (G League – two-way) are listed as questionable, while Aaron Nesmith (right ankle sprain) and Pascal Siakam (left wrist sprain) are probable. Jalen Slawson (two-way) is questionable, and Ethan Thompson (two-way) is doubtful.
Portland’s injury report is equally concerning. Damian Lillard (left Achilles tendon) and Shaedon Sharpe (left fibula stress reaction) are out, while Deni Avdija (low back), Kris Murray (illness), Jayson Kent, Caleb Love, Hansen Yang, and Chris Youngblood—all two-way or G League assignments—are listed as questionable.
Siakam, averaging 24 points and 6.7 rebounds over 54 games, is likely to carry the scoring load alongside Andrew Nembhard, who averages 17.2 points and 7.3 assists.
Jerami Grant (18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds) and Deni Avdija (24.4 points, 7 rebounds) are expected to lead the offense. Jrue Holiday, averaging 16.7 points and 6.4 assists, will also play a critical role in controlling the pace.
Both teams have struggled recently. Indiana has dropped eight consecutive games, including losses to the Lakers and Clippers, while Portland is 5–5 over its last ten contests. This game could have playoff positioning implications, especially for the Trail Blazers, currently 10th in the Western Conference standings at 30–34.
