The Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors have released their latest injury reports ahead of their NBA Cup group match. The 2-15 Pacers continue to face significant setbacks, with several key players sidelined due to injuries.
Tyrese Haliburton, their star point guard, remains out for the entire season recovering from a torn Achilles tendon sustained during the playoffs. Additionally, starting small forward Aaron Nesmith is out with a sprained MCL in his left knee, and backup power forward Obi Toppin will be unavailable until at least February after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot.
Toronto Raptors, meanwhile, are missing only one player: starting small forward RJ Barrett, who is listed as inactive due to a sprained right knee. The Raptors, riding a 13-5 record, have already clinched a spot in the NBA Cup next round with a 3-0 record in group play. The Pacers, on the other hand, are 0-2 in the cup and have already been eliminated from advancing.
Among the Pacers, rookie Kam Jones has yet to play a game this season, sidelined by a lower back stress reaction since training camp. Second-year guard Johnny Furphy is recovering from a sprained left ankle, while two-way guard Quenton Jackson remains out with a strained right hamstring. The wave of injuries has left the Pacers’ roster thin and has contributed to their struggles early in the season.
Both teams are far from the form they showed in the previous campaign, with the Raptors dramatically improved and the Pacers dealing with a string of injuries that have hampered their rotation. The game will be a test for both squads as they continue through the NBA Cup group stage.