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7 Pacers to Miss Saturday Showdown vs Raptors

Feb 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) and forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defend in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Feb 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes (40) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) and forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defend in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The beleaguered Indiana Pacers will be without at least seven players, including two 2025-26 starters (not even counting Tyrese Haliburton), for their Saturday night matchup against the Toronto Raptors.

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Per the league's latest injury report, are missing starting wings Bennedict Mathurin (right great toe sprain) and Aaron Nesmith (left knee sprain). Nesmith incurred his injury mid-game this week, and could miss several games. Mathurin has been out for a while, and could be nearing his return.

Of course, Indiana will still be without two-time All-NBA Third Team point guard Tyrese Haliburton, the team's best player, who has already been ruled out for the entire season as he recovers from a ruptured right Achilles tendon.

But he was never projected to be a starter this year, as he was never even projected to play this year. Mathurin's addition to the Pacers' first five is a direct reaction to the Haliburton injury.

Reserve power forward Obi Toppin suffered a right foot stress fracture and is out until February.

Guards Johnny Furphy (left ankle sprain), Quenton Jackson (right hamstring strain), and Kam Jones (lower back stress reaction) are all still out.

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A whopping four Raptors — two-way signings Chucky Hepburn, A.J. Lawson, and Alijah Martin, plus standard roster player Jonathan Mogbo — are all on assignment with the team's G League affiliate, Raptors 905.

Toronto shooting guard Ochai Agbaji (lumbar strain), small forward Jamison Battle (right knee contusion), and rookie lottery pick power forward Collin Murray-Boyles (illness) are all questionable to suit up.

A Tale of Two Very Different Season Starts

The Raptors have enjoyed a surprisingly robust start to their 2025-26 season, posting a 7-5 record and leaning into an athletic identity. The healthy advent of small forward Brandon Ingram's 20.5 points a night has been a boon for Toronto, while Murray-Boyles is already impressing. Power forward Scottie Barnes, swingman RJ Barrett, guard Immanuel Quickley and center Jakob Poeltl have all been largely available and have meshed surprisingly well.

The Pacers' injuries, meanwhile, have conspired to cultivate something of a season from hell. Indiana has fallen to a 1-11 record, tied with the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards for the worst finish in the NBA.

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Alex Kirschenbaum
ALEX KIRSCHENBAUM

Currently also a scribe for Newsweek, Hoops Rumors, The Sporting News and "Gremlins" director Joe Dante's film site Trailers From Hell, Alex is an alum of Men's Journal, Grizzlies fan site Grizzly Bear Blues, and Bulls fan sites Blog-A-Bull and Pippen Ain't Easy, among others.