Indiana Pacers

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.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings. This is surprising news given that Haliburton had a timetable of at least two weeks and that was 10 days ago. It sounds like Haliburton is making great progress and is on the verge of being cleared to play. It's worth noting that Thursday's game is the front end of a back-to-back set, which means Haliburton will probably at least miss one game. He'll likely be under a minutes limit, assuming he's cleared to play, but fantasy managers will have to check back for another update on Thursday.

The Indiana Pacers are finalizing a three-team trade to acquire Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam in exchange for Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first-round picks (two 2024 first-rounders and a 2026 first-rounder). The New Orleans Pelicans are sending Kira Lewis to Toronto and a second-rounder to Indiana. It's the first major domino to fall ahead of February's trade deadline, with the Pacers making a splashy move to thrust themselves firmly into the mix of Eastern Conference contenders. Upon the return of rising superstar Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring), Siakam will help form one of the NBA's most formidable duos. A two-time All-Star, Siakam is averaging 22.3 points on 52.2% field-goal shooting, 6.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.2 three-pointers in 34.7 minutes across 39 games in 2023-24 and should benefit from a fantasy perspective moving from a middling Raptors offense to a high-powered one in Indy.