After arguably their best win this season against the Chicago Bulls on Friday night, the Indiana Pacers will take on the Charlotte Hornets for the second time this season. Both teams went head-to-head on November 8 with the Hornets taking home the win by a score of 103-83. Unlike that game, today’s battle will take place in Indiana. It is also the Pacers’ first home game of the month.
On the year, the Pacers are 10-14 and own the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte, however, is 6-17 and is in the midst of an eight-game skid, the longest active losing streak in the NBA.
Here is the full injury report for the Pacers and Hornets ahead of today’s game.
Andrew Nembhardwho recently returned from a knee injury that sidelined him for nearly a month, is questionable against the Hornets. Since his return to the court, Nembhard has already sat out one game and has played 22 or fewer minutes in each game he has played since coming back. It is clear the Pacers are taking a cautious approach with the Canadian native, which could continue against the Hornets.
If he sits out against the Hornets, the Pacers will likely rely more heavily on rookie wing Johnny Furphy.
As for Aaron Nesmith and Ben Sheppardboth of them remain out with their respective injuries. Currently, there is no concrete timetable for their return.
-The Hornets have plenty of names on their injury report, but none are as notable as LaMelo Ballwho will miss his sixth consecutive game due to a calf injury. Furthermore, Miles Bridgeswho has been out of action since November 19, remains out due to a knee injury.
Moussa Diabate missed his first game of the season during Saturday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers due to an illness. He has also been ruled out against the Pacers but remains day-to-day.
Three Manwho looked like a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidate to begin the season, has missed eight straight games for the Hornets due to a back injury and remains out against Indiana.
Big man Nick Richards recently returned from a rib injury that sidelined him for most of November. However, he suffered an ankle injury and missed Charlotte’s game against the Cavaliers. He is currently listed as questionable against the Pacers. Furthermore, rookie Tidjane Salaun also has an ankle injury and will miss his second straight game today.
Grant Williamswho is in his first full season with the Hornets, suffered a season-ending ACL injury in November. Furthermore, Mark Williamswho just came back after nearly a year away due to an injury, will sit out against the Pacers.
