Pacers Face Clippers Without Key Stars in Sunday Showdown

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers are set to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, February 23, 2025, but the Clippers may be significantly understrength. Stars Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell are both listed as questionable with injuries, presenting an opportunity for the Pacers, who are currently the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference at 31-23.

The Pacers, riding a two-game win streak, are coming off a strong performance against the Memphis Grizzlies. In that game, Tyrese Haliburton notched 22 points and nine assists, while Myles Turner nearly achieved a triple-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and seven blocks. The team aims to capitalize on their current home advantage, having a 15-8 record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

“There’s no room for error as we approach the playoffs,” Haliburton said in a recent interview. “Every game matters, and we need to keep building on our momentum.”

On the other side, the Clippers find themselves at 31-24, good for the sixth seed in a competitive Western Conference. Without Leonard, who averages 16.9 points and 4.6 rebounds over 16 games this season, and Powell, whose 24.2 points per game would be a career high, the Clippers will rely heavily on veteran James Harden. Harden averages 30.8 points and has stepped up in scoring roles when needed.

“We’ve faced adversity before. We have to trust each other and get it done,” Harden said. “Our depth will be tested, but we are capable.”

The injury burden for the Clippers extends beyond their leading scorers. Cameron Christie, Trentyn Flowers, Kai Jones, and Jordan Miller are also sidelined due to G League assignments. The team will try to recover quickly, as they have two more games on this road trip, including a matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

While the Clippers are focused on making a playoff push, the Pacers are keen on solidifying their postseason position. With their sights set particularly high following back-to-back wins, Indiana shows resilience and determination, emphasizing teamwork as the key driving force of their success this season.

“We play for each other, and that’s what makes us dangerous,” Nesmith added. “Every game is a chance to prove ourselves.”

Both teams are eager to leave the court victorious on Sunday, but the absence of Leonard and Powell may tip the scales in favor of the Pacers, who look to seize the opportunity to improve their playoff seeding.