Pacers Face Tough Challenge Against Red-Hot Pistons on Monday Night

DETROIT, Mich. — The struggling Indiana Pacers, with a record of 1-12, are set to challenge the formidable Detroit Pistons, who are currently 11-2 and leading the Eastern Conference, on Monday night. The game will take place at 7 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena.

Despite their poor season start, the Pacers have had success against the Pistons in recent matchups, winning seven of the last eight games in their series, including a 3-1 advantage last season. However, the Pistons come into the game on a nine-game winning streak.

Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin, who missed the second game of the season with an injury, could make his return against Detroit. In the two games he has played, he has averaged 31 points while shooting 54.8% from the field and 50% from three-point range.

In addition to Mathurin, the Pacers’ injury report remains mostly unchanged. However, notable absences include Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) and Obi Toppin (hamstring).

On the Pistons side, guard Cade Cunningham is sidelined once again due to a hip injury, missing his third straight game. Cunningham has averaged 27.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 9.9 assists this season.

Young star Jalen Duren, previously listed as probable with an ankle issue, will return to the lineup. Duren has been impressive this season, averaging 19.4 points and 12 rebounds per game. Conversely, Tobias Harris will miss his eighth consecutive game with an ankle injury.

Pistons rookie Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser are also out due to ankle and hip injuries, respectively. Meanwhile, Jaden Ivey has not played since suffering a fibula injury in January and lacks a clear timetable for his return.

As both teams prepare for the matchup, fans can expect a showdown that tests the resilience of the Pacers against one of the top teams in the league.