The Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers face off Wednesday, March 25, at 7:00 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with several significant injuries shaping the matchup.
The Lakers list Rui Hachimura and Adou Thiero as questionable, while Marcus Smart is doubtful.
Rui Hachimura has been managing right calf soreness, and his participation remains uncertain. Marcus Smart is sidelined with a right ankle contusion, reducing the Lakers’ perimeter defense and playmaking options. Adou Thiero’s left knee soreness adds another layer of uncertainty to the rotation.
The Pacers enter the game without Johnny Furphy and Tyrese Haliburton, both out due to serious injuries, including a torn ACL and Achilles tendon, respectively.
Indiana also lists several probable and doubtful players. Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, and Obi Toppin are probable, while Taelon Peter, Jalen Slawson, and Ethan Thompson are doubtful G League two-way players. Ivica Zubac is out with a rib fracture, further weakening the Pacers’ frontcourt.
Statistically, the Lakers rely heavily on Luka Doncic, who averages 33.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game. Austin Reaves contributes 23.5 points and 5.5 assists, while LeBron James adds 21.0 points and 5.9 rebounds despite being in his 41st season.
Indiana’s offense is concentrated around Pascal Siakam, averaging 24.0 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, and Andrew Nembhard, who posts 17.1 points and 7.4 assists. Aaron Nesmith contributes 13.5 points per game.
In their last meeting on March 6, the Lakers defeated the Pacers 128-117 in Los Angeles. Both teams are looking to adjust their rotations due to injuries, with the Lakers aiming to recover after a 110-113 loss at Detroit on March 23, while Indiana carries momentum from a 128-126 win over Orlando in the same timeframe.
