Injury-Plagued Pacers and Bucks Set for Pivotal NBA Showdown
The Indiana Pacers are scheduled to travel to Fiserv Forum on February 6, 2026, for a crucial matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Both franchises are currently navigating through turbulent seasons, heavily impacted by a wave of injuries that have disrupted their rotations and overall performance. This contest holds significant importance as each team strives to stabilize their campaigns and establish much-needed consistency in the highly competitive Eastern Conference.
Indiana Pacers Injury Report: Depth Concerns Mount
The Indiana Pacers enter this game with severe depth issues, particularly in the guard and frontcourt positions. The team's injury list presents a challenging scenario for the coaching staff.
Confirmed Out for the Game:
- Tyrese Haliburton - Right Achilles tendon tear (season-ending)
- Obi Toppin - Right foot stress fracture (season-ending)
- Kobe Brown - Out, Not With Team
- Taelon Peter - Two-way guard
- Ethan Thompson - Two-way guard
- Ivica Zubac - Out, Not With Team
Game-Time Decisions:
- Micah Potter - Left hip contusion
- Quenton Jackson - Two-way guard
Key Takeaway: With the absence of star players Haliburton and Toppin, the offensive burden is expected to fall heavily on Pascal Siakam, while Andrew Nembhard will assume primary playmaking responsibilities.
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report: Missing Franchise Cornerstone
The Milwaukee Bucks are also grappling with multiple absences, most notably their franchise superstar, which has forced significant adjustments to their game plan.
Confirmed Out for the Game:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo - Right calf strain (expected to miss several weeks)
- Taurean Prince - Neck surgery for herniated disc (season-ending)
- Alex Antetokounmpo - Two-way forward
- Ousmane Dieng - Out, Not With Team
- Nigel Hayes-Davis - Out, Not With Team
- Kyle Kuzma - Left calf strain/soreness
Game-Time Decisions:
- Gary Harris - Left hamstring strain
- Bobby Portis - Right hip contusion
Key Takeaway: Milwaukee will need to rely heavily on their guard unit and remaining frontcourt options to compensate for the missing production, particularly in scoring and interior defense.
Historical Context: A Competitive Rivalry
The Pacers and Bucks have developed a compelling rivalry over recent seasons, marked by closely contested games and playoff drama.
- Last Three Seasons: Indiana holds a 13–9 advantage across 22 matchups.
- 2024–25 Playoffs: The Pacers secured a first-round series victory, winning 4–1 and clinching the series with an overtime triumph in Game 5 at Fiserv Forum.
- 2025–26 Season Meetings:
- November 3, 2025 - Bucks 117, Pacers 115 (Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points)
- December 23, 2025 - Bucks 111, Pacers 94
While Milwaukee currently leads the season series 2–0, Indiana's recent playoff success adds an intriguing layer to this matchup.
Team Statistics and Season Performance
Entering this game, both teams reflect their struggles in the standings and statistical categories.
Indiana Pacers (IND): Record 13–38 (.255), averaging 110.9 points per game while allowing 118.7 points. They average 42.8 rebounds and 25.9 assists per contest, with a field goal percentage of 44.7% and approximately 12.6 made three-pointers per game.
Milwaukee Bucks (MIL): Record 20–29 (.408), scoring 112.1 points per game and conceding 116.1 points. They average 40.9 rebounds and 26.4 assists, shooting 48.2% from the field and making about 14.8 three-pointers per game.
Pascal Siakam leads the Pacers with impressive averages of 23.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Andrew Nembhard has stepped up in Haliburton's absence, directing the offense with 7.5 assists per game.
For the Bucks, scoring is distributed across the roster. Ryan Rollins leads the team with approximately 16.8 points per game, supported by Bobby Portis and Gary Harris when they are available to play.
Game Outlook and Strategic Analysis
Indiana may possess a size advantage with Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and Jay Huff in the frontcourt. Conversely, Milwaukee could leverage their backcourt to apply pressure on Indiana's defense, especially if Gary Harris and Bobby Portis receive medical clearance to participate.
Bench production and effective rotation management will likely be decisive factors in determining the outcome. Milwaukee benefits from home-court advantage at Fiserv Forum, which could provide an additional boost.
Key Factors to Watch
- Pascal Siakam's performance against Milwaukee's interior defense
- Ryan Rollins' scoring efficiency and offensive output
- The availability and impact of Gary Harris and Bobby Portis
This matchup features two teams diligently managing injury crises while striving to remain competitive. Indiana continues to adapt to life without Tyrese Haliburton, and Milwaukee operates without the dominant presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both squads will look to this game as an opportunity to build momentum and secure a vital victory in their respective seasons.
