Pacers Facing Major Injury Setbacks Ahead of Kings Showdown
The Indiana Pacers are grappling with a significant injury crisis as they prepare to face the Sacramento Kings on Monday evening. With six key players officially ruled out, the team’s depth will be put to the test at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Injury Report
The Pacers will be without several core contributors:
Ben Sheppard: Out – Calf
Tyrese Haliburton: Out – Achilles
Quenton Jackson: Out – Hamstring
Aaron Nesmith: Out – Knee
Obi Toppin: Out – Foot
Kam Jones: Out – Back
Meanwhile, the Kings are also dealing with their own injury concerns. Notably:
Domantas Sabonis: Out – Knee
Dennis Schroder: Out – Hip
Keegan Murray: Day-to-day – Trapezius
Game Details
Date and Time: Monday, Dec. 8, 7:00 p.m. EST
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network Indiana, NBC Sports California
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan (Indiana), Sports 1140 AM (Sacramento)
This matchup marks the first of two regular-season encounters between the Pacers (5-18) and Kings (6-17). Last season, the Pacers claimed victory in both contests, maintaining a historical edge with a 55-45 record against the Kings. At home, the Pacers are particularly strong, boasting a 33-17 record.
Projected Starters
With injuries reshaping their roster, here’s how the Pacers and Kings are expected to line up:
Pacers
G Andrew Nembhard
G Bennedict Mathurin
C Jay Huff
F Garrison Matthews
F Pascal Siakam
Kings
G Russell Westbrook
G Zach LaVine
C Maxime Raynaud
F DeMar DeRozan
F Keegan Murray
Betting Lines
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the betting lines for the matchup are as follows:
Spread: Pacers -3.5 (-110), Kings +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Pacers -162, Kings +136
Total Points: 233.5 (over -108, under -112)
Coach’s Insight
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle shared his thoughts on the team’s recent performances and the upcoming challenge against the Kings. “Getting back on defense was a big part of it,” he noted, reflecting on his team’s efforts in previous games. He acknowledged the formidable talent on Sacramento’s roster, saying, “Sacramento has got two Hall-of-Famers on their team, you know, DeRozan and Westbrook. They got Monk coming off the bench who’s explosive. They got LaVine, who’s been an All-Star, who got 42 points last night; they smashed Miami. This guy Raynaud is a very good young big who’s very skilled.”
Carlisle emphasized the magnitude of the challenge ahead, hinting that the matchup would require all hands on deck from the available roster.
In the Spotlight
As the Pacers navigate these injury challenges, the spotlight will be on players stepping into larger roles. The absence of stars like Haliburton and Toppin creates an opportunity for the team’s younger players to demonstrate their potential. With the Kings also missing key players, the game promises to be a battle of resilience and adaptability.
The Pacers are looking to make a statement despite the adversity, and fans will be eager to see how they respond as they face off against a rival team in search of momentum.
