Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (shin) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Nesmith was questionable coming into this game, but will ultimately miss his third game in a row. Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin figure to see increased playing time with Nesmith and Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) both ruled out. Mathurin should be a fine streaming option with the Pacers shorthanded for this game.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle says Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) won't return to action against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. Though Haliburton will miss a revenge-game shot versus his former team, a return on Thursday may have been wishful thinking. As of Jan. 9, the Pacers anticipated that Haliburton's Grade 1 hamstring strain would sideline him for at least two weeks. Indiana is back in action on a short turnaround against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, so the All-Star floor general's status doesn't have much time to improve. T.J. McConnell's minutes haven't grown in Haliburton's absence as some fantasy managers may have hoped for, but Bruce Brown is now out of the mix after Wednesday's trade. Andrew Nembhard (spine), Bennedict Mathurin (ankle), and Aaron Nesmith (shin) are all questionable, so McConnell and Buddy Hield could dominate backcourt minutes on Thursday.

Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin (calf) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Sacramento. He couldn't practice on Wednesday due to a left calf strain, and it looks like Toppin might have to skip his first game of the season. The 25-year-old is enjoying a decent debut campaign in Indianapolis, averaging 11.6 points with 4.0 rebounds. With Pascal Siakam not yet available for the team, Jalen Smith will likely be in for a very busy night, and Jarace Walker could have a role to play, especially if Aaron Nesmith (shin) can't return to the lineup.

Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (shin) is regarded as questionable for Thursday's matchup against Sacramento. He's already been out for two games with a left shin issue and might have to sit again. Nesmith had made 10 consecutive starts before landing on the shelf. Bennedict Mathurin (ankle) could land in the starting unit in Nesmith's absence on Thursday, although he's also considered questionable for the game.

Indiana Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin (ankle) is considered questionable for Thursday's clash with the Kings. He sprained his left ankle against Utah on Monday and could be forced to miss his first game of the campaign. However, Mathurin was present in Wednesday's practice, so it looks like there's a good chance he won't have to sit out Thursday's game. Mathurin might find himself in a big role Thursday as well, following Indiana's big trade to acquire Pascal Siakam. Bruce Brown, who's headed to Toronto as part of the deal, has been a big piece in the rotation, and his minutes will need to be covered. Siakam is expected to join the team on Friday.