Pacers Seek Redemption as Hawks Visit Amid Injury Troubles
The Indiana Pacers are desperate to snap their four-game losing streak as they prepare to host the Atlanta Hawks tonight in Indianapolis. It’s been a rough start for Indiana, sitting at 0–4, and the challenge doesn’t get any easier as the Hawks arrive with momentum from a recent win over the Brooklyn Nets — even though they’ll be missing their star guard, Trae Young, who’s sidelined with a knee sprain.
For the Pacers, this season has already felt like an uphill climb. After reaching the NBA Finals last year, injuries have completely reshaped their lineup. Tyrese Haliburton, their franchise cornerstone, is out for the season with an Achilles injury. And he’s not alone — Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, T.J. McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, Kam Jones, and even rookie Johnny Furphy are all sidelined. It’s left Indiana relying on its depth players and leaning heavily on Pascal Siakam, who’s been delivering All-Star numbers with over 26 points and 11 rebounds a game. Alongside him, young forward Jarace Walker is starting to find his rhythm, averaging double figures and showing flashes of the athleticism that made him a top draft pick.
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The Hawks, meanwhile, have had their own battles. Sitting at 2–3, Atlanta’s inconsistency has been a story early in the season. But their latest win — a hard-fought 117–112 victory in Brooklyn — provided a much-needed confidence boost. With Trae Young out, others have stepped up. Jalen Johnson led that game with 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard combined for 35 points off the bench. Kristaps Porzingis has also been quietly efficient, averaging over 20 points per game and shooting an impressive 45% from three-point range.
Statistically, both teams have clear strengths and weaknesses. The Hawks have shown flashes of strong team play and ball movement but still rank low in rebounding and defensive consistency. The Pacers, on the other hand, are second in the league in rebounding but near the bottom in shooting efficiency and turnovers forced. Their injuries have disrupted the offensive rhythm that made them one of the league’s most exciting teams last season.
Tonight’s matchup is more than just another game — it’s part of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament, adding extra weight to every possession. Atlanta will look to maintain its early Cup momentum, while Indiana is simply trying to find a way back into the win column.
The Hawks enter as slight favorites, but both sides are fighting through adversity. For Atlanta, this is a chance to prove they can win without Trae Young. For Indiana, it’s an opportunity to remind fans — and themselves — that resilience can sometimes overcome the odds. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Eastern at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and all eyes will be on whether the Pacers can finally stop their slide.
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