Injury-Riddled Pacers Face Nets in Crucial Eastern Conference Clash
Injury-Riddled Pacers Face Nets in Crucial Eastern Clash

Injury-Riddled Pacers Face Nets in Crucial Eastern Conference Clash

The Indiana Pacers are set to visit the Brooklyn Nets on February 11, 2026, in a matchup heavily influenced by injuries and inconsistent performances from both sides. With multiple regular starters sidelined, both teams have been forced to adjust their rotations and rely more heavily on younger, less experienced players.

Indiana Pacers Grapple with Extensive Injury List

Indiana, currently near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, continues to manage long-term absences that have plagued their season. The Pacers' injury report for this game is extensive, significantly impacting their roster depth and strategy.

Out / Not Playing:

  • Tyrese Haliburton (PG) - Torn right Achilles tendon; out for the season
  • Johnny Furphy (SG) - Torn right ACL; out for the season
  • Pascal Siakam (PF) - Left hamstring soreness
  • T.J. McConnell (PG) - Right hamstring soreness
  • Andrew Nembhard (PG) - Low-back injury management
  • Aaron Nesmith (SG/SF) - Low-back soreness
  • Obi Toppin (PF) - Right-foot stress fracture
  • Ivica Zubac (C) - Left-ankle sprain; expected to miss multiple games

Questionable:

  • Micah Potter (C/PF) - Left-ankle sprain
  • Jarace Walker (PF) - Illness; could be on a minutes restriction

Probable:

  • Quenton Jackson (SG) - Expected to play extended minutes
  • Ethan Thompson (SG) - Likely part of the guard rotation
  • Taelon Peter (SG) - Expected to be available

With Haliburton, Siakam, Nembhard, and McConnell all unavailable, Indiana is relying heavily on guards such as Kam Jones and Ben Sheppard to handle playmaking duties. Kobe Brown and Jarace Walker could provide crucial frontcourt support if Walker is cleared to play.

Brooklyn Nets Face Their Own Injury Challenges

Brooklyn has experienced similar injury issues this season but has shown occasional stability despite the challenges. The Nets' injury situation, while less extensive than Indiana's, still impacts key areas of their lineup.

Out / Not Playing:

  • Michael Porter Jr. (SF/PF) - Right-knee tendinitis
  • Tyson Etienne (G) - G-League assignment
  • Chaney Johnson (F) - G-League assignment
  • E.J. Liddell (F) - G-League assignment

Doubtful:

  • Nic Claxton (C) - Right-hip soreness; day-to-day

Probable:

  • Noah Clowney (PF) - Left-ankle sprain; may have a minutes limit

If Claxton does not play, Day'Ron Sharpe is expected to start at center, with Danny Wolf and Hunter Tyson providing frontcourt support. Ochai Agbaji, Terance Mann, and Ziaire Williams are likely to take on larger defensive roles with Porter Jr. unavailable.

Team Rosters and Strategic Adjustments

Indiana Pacers 2025-26 Roster Snapshot:

  • Backcourt: Kam Jones, Ben Sheppard, Quenton Jackson, Ethan Thompson, Taelon Peter
  • Wings: Kobe Brown, Aaron Nesmith (out), Jarace Walker (questionable)
  • Frontcourt: Pascal Siakam (out), Obi Toppin (out), Micah Potter (questionable), Jay Huff, Ivica Zubac (out)

Indiana's offense has become more guard-focused out of necessity, with Jones and Sheppard handling most of the playmaking responsibilities previously managed by Haliburton and Nembhard.

Brooklyn Nets 2025-26 Roster Snapshot:

  • Backcourt: Terance Mann, Tyrese Martin, Ochai Agbaji, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf, Nolan Traore, Egor Demin
  • Wings/Forwards: Michael Porter Jr. (out), Josh Minott, Ziaire Williams, Jalen Wilson, Hunter Tyson
  • Frontcourt: Nic Claxton (doubtful), Noah Clowney (probable), Day'Ron Sharpe, Danny Wolf

Brooklyn continues to rely on their wing depth and perimeter shooting despite the absence of key contributors.

Head-to-Head History and Team Statistics

The teams have met twice this season, with Brooklyn winning the November 5 game in Indianapolis 112-103 behind Michael Porter Jr.'s 32-point performance. Indiana still holds a slight edge in the all-time regular-season series, but the Nets have won three of the last five meetings since the 2023-24 season.

Team Stats Comparison (2025-26):

Indiana Pacers - Team Stats Snapshot:

  • Average Points per game: ~112-113
  • Field-goal percentage: ~40-41%
  • Three-point percentage: ~31-32%
  • Rebounds per game: ~49
  • Turnovers per game: ~13-14

Indiana plays at a fast pace and rebounds well but has struggled with offensive efficiency without their primary playmakers.

Brooklyn Nets - Team Stats Snapshot:

  • Average Points per game: ~113-114
  • Field-goal percentage: ~45-46%
  • Three-point percentage: ~35-36%
  • Rebounds per game: ~38-39
  • Turnovers per game: ~15-16

Brooklyn attempts a high number of three-pointers but has had defensive issues, allowing opponents to shoot efficiently against them.

Game Outlook and Key Factors

The February 11 matchup is likely to feature quick possessions and frequent perimeter shots from both teams. Indiana could have a significant advantage on the boards if Potter and Walker are available to play. Brooklyn's interior defense may be tested if Claxton is ruled out, creating potential vulnerabilities in the paint.

This game is fundamentally shaped by injuries on both sides. Indiana is without several key players who typically drive their offense, while Brooklyn is missing important frontcourt contributors who anchor their defense. Depth, rebounding, and shot selection are likely to decide the result as both teams try to improve their position in the Eastern Conference standings.

The absence of star performers means this contest will depend more on team execution, defensive discipline, and the ability of role players to step up in expanded roles. Both coaching staffs will need to make strategic adjustments throughout the game to compensate for their depleted rosters.