The Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks have reported a combined 22 players on their official injury report ahead of the 5:00 p.m. ET tip-off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Both teams are severely shorthanded, missing several starters and key stars like Tyrese Haliburton and rookie Cooper Flagg.
That number is eye-popping, but thankfully, not everyone on the report is ruled out. Several players carry “questionable” designations and could still suit up. Still, it is quite a striking figure.
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Mavericks beat writer Bobby Karalla got a shock after learning the big number and wrote, “There are 22 players listed on today’s injury report. A lot on the line.”
Not to mention, Flagg headlines the list. The No. 1 overall pick is officially OUT for Sunday’s game due to a left midfoot sprain suffered on Feb. 10 against the Phoenix Suns. This marks his third consecutive missed game, including the Rising Stars Game during All-Star Weekend.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Head coach Jason Kidd addressed the mounting absences, saying, “Next man up. That’s the best answer. There’s a lot of injuries. We’ve seen this before. Cooper’s been out before and will be out again for a bit. It’s another chance for someone in a Mavs uniform to step up until he’s back.”
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Kyrie Irving will miss the rest of the 2025–26 season after ACL surgery. Dereck Lively II is also out for the year following right foot surgery. Daniel Gafford and Max Christie are questionable with ankle injuries, while Caleb Martin is listed as a probable designation.
Indiana’s list is equally grim. Haliburton is rehabbing a right Achilles tendon tear suffered during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Like him, Johnny Furphy is also out for the season.
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Ivica Zubac is out with a left ankle sprain; he has yet to debut for Indiana since his trade. Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin are all out. Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam, T.J. McConnell, and Andrew Nembhard are all listed as questionable for today’s match.
The Pacers are 15-42, putting them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The Mavericks aren’t doing much better at 19-36, sitting 12th in the West. Both teams are heading for the draft lottery after a rough season defined by losing records and constant injuries.
Related: Final Injury Report for Mavericks-Pacers: Will Cooper Flagg, Pascal Siakam Play?
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.