Pacers in turmoil as injury crisis deepens ahead of NBA Cup clash with Raptors
The Indiana Pacers, sitting at a dismal 2-15, are preparing to face the 13-5 Toronto Raptors in an upcoming Emirates NBA Cup matchup. Both teams have experienced a drastic transformation since the 2024-25 season, where the Raptors struggled to a record of 30-52, missing the playoffs for the third consecutive year. In stark contrast, the Pacers enjoyed a remarkable season, finishing at 50-32 and reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight year, culminating in their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000.
Injury Woes for the Pacers
This season, however, has been a different story for Indiana, which has been ravaged by injuries early on. The injury crisis extends beyond star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a devastating Achilles tendon rupture during the playoffs last year, impacting the team’s performance against the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a grueling seven-game series. The Pacers’ lineup has been further depleted, with several key starters missing multiple games. Currently, one of the non-Haliburton starters is sidelined, exacerbating the team’s struggles.
Toronto’s Injury Report
On the other side of the court, the Raptors are facing a more manageable injury situation. Heading into the matchup, Toronto will be without starting small forward RJ Barrett, who is nursing a sprained right knee. Despite this setback, the Raptors have thrived with a perfect 3-0 record in NBA Cup group play, securing their spot in the Eastern Group A as they aim to build on their strong start.
Pacers’ Long List of Injuries
For Indiana, the injury report remains concerning. The well-documented absence of Haliburton, a two-time All-NBA Third Teamer, means he will miss the entire season while recovering from his Achilles injury. Additionally, backup power forward Obi Toppin will be out until at least February due to a right foot stress fracture. The Pacers are also missing three young guards, compounding their challenges. Rookie Kam Jones has yet to make his NBA debut, sidelined since the beginning of the season with a lower back stress reaction. Second-year guard Johnny Furphy is recovering from a sprained left ankle, while two-way player Quenton Jackson remains unavailable with a strained right hamstring.
NBA Cup Statuses for Indiana and Toronto
As the Pacers prepare for this critical clash, the outlook is grim. With their 0-2 record in the NBA Cup group play, they have already been eliminated from contention for a Wild Card appearance. The team seems to be heading towards a rebuilding phase, despite having several rotation players returning to health.
The Raptors, on the other hand, are riding high, looking to capitalize on their momentum in the NBA Cup. With contrasting fates ahead of this encounter, all eyes will be on the court as these two teams clash, highlighting the sharp disparities in their current trajectories.
