Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland (toe) will not take the court on Thursday night against the Indiana Pacers. Cleveland has just secured the top position in the Eastern Conference and will rest four of its regular starters on Thursday, including Garland, who is bothered by a toe sprain. Ty Jerome is likely to take over the point guard duties in the starting lineup, with Craig Porter Jr. serving as his primary backup. In his previous two starts this season, Jerome has averaged an impressive 26.5 points on 57.9 percent three-point shooting, adding 4.5 assists.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (ankle) will not be in the lineup on Thursday against the Indiana Pacers, missing a second consecutive game. Cleveland's star man is nursing an ankle sprain, and the team has no reason to hurry his return since they have already clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs. Darius Garland (toe) will also take the night off, opening the door for Ty Jerome and Sam Merrill to lead the backcourt. Jerome will enter Thursday's contest with good momentum, having notched 38 points across two games since returning from a knee injury.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (knee) has been listed as probable for Thursday's matchup against the New York Knicks. Cunningham recently missed time due to a calf injury and is now dealing with a knee problem. However, it appears to be a minor issue, and Cunningham is likely to make his third consecutive appearance. Since returning from a calf contusion, Cunningham has been limited to 30.5 minutes per game. Nonetheless, he has still done plenty of damage, averaging 30.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.

Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo (shoulder) is considered probable for Thursday's clash against the New Orleans Pelicans. After helping Milwaukee to a remarkable comeback victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, Antetokounmpo is back on the injury report with a shoulder issue. Nevertheless, he is expected to be in the lineup. The two-time MVP has recorded triple-doubles in each of his last three appearances and can establish a new career-high for a single season if he posts another one over the final few games of the campaign. He is currently on 10 triple-doubles through 65 outings, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks.

New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (knee) will exit the lineup for Thursday's encounter with the Detroit Pistons. New York's ironman will receive a rare off night against the Pistons following a 48-minute outing in Tuesday's overtime loss to the Boston Celtics. Thursday's game marks the first leg of a back-to-back for the Knicks, so there's a good chance Hart will rejoin the fun on Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With OG Anunoby (thumb) and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) also on the shelf against Detroit, Precious Achiuwa, Miles McBride, and Landry Shamet are expected to pick up more work.