Nets and Pacers Clash in Indianapolis Showdown

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers are set for a pivotal matchup Thursday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, with both teams eager to gain ground as the regular season nears its conclusion.

The Nets, coming off a six-point victory against Indiana earlier this week, are looking to continue their momentum. The game, broadcasted on YES Network and available on Gotham Sports app and WFAN radio, tips off at 5 PM EDT.

In this matchup, both teams are battling injuries. The Nets will be without De'Anthony Melton, D'Angelo Russell, and Cam Thomas, while Ziaire Williams is questionable due to right hamstring tightness. On the Pacers’ side, Isaiah Jackson is sidelined with an Achilles injury, and Tyrese Haliburton‘s status is uncertain due to lower back soreness.

This match holds significance for the Pacers as it will be their last regular-season game against the Nets. Brooklyn has won the prior contest, adding pressure on Indiana to perform at home.

Haliburton has been instrumental for Indiana lately, averaging 22 points and 12 assists per game since the All-Star break, with impressive shooting splits of .560 from the field, .486 from three-point range, and .926 from the free-throw line. His return to the lineup could be crucial in helping the Pacers secure home court advantage in the playoffs for the first time in years.

“If I can play at this level, we have a good chance,” Haliburton commented regarding his performance. “Every game is important right now.”

Brooklyn is aware of Haliburton’s threat, as he boasts a remarkable 75 percent shooting inside three feet. The Nets’ backcourt, under pressure, will need to step up their defensive game.

Adding some depth to the Nets’ lineup is Cam Johnson, fresh off a rest day and ready to help ease the load on his teammates. Brooklyn will also have to contend with Bennedict Mathurin, who has stepped up significantly in the absence of Haliburton.

Mathurin displayed confidence in his ability to handle added responsibility. “I’m a big believer in myself. No matter the situation, I think I’ll thrive,” he said. “It’s normal for me, and there’s no pressure; it’s just me going out there to win.”

The Pacers trail the third seed by only three games, and with Mathurin’s current form, they believe they can catch up.

The tension heightened during their last matchup as a scuffle erupted on the court involving Trendon Watford, who was ejected along with Myles Turner and Andrew Nemhard receiving technical fouls. “It was a learning moment,” Turner said afterward. “In high-pressure situations, you have to maintain your composure.”

The Nets’ Nic Claxton and Day'ron Sharpe were critical in their previous game, contributing 23 rebounds combined. They will need to improve their performance in this contest as Brooklyn lost the rebounding battle.

As both teams prepare for the playoffs, every game counts. The intensity of this matchup could set the tone moving forward. In related news, the St. John's men’s basketball team will face Arkansas in the NCAA Tournament following their first win in 25 years, and boxing legend George Foreman‘s passing at age 76 was announced, prompting reflection on his storied career.