As Indiana Pacers prepare for their upcoming clash against the Philadelphia 76ers, both teams enter Friday’s matchup with significant injury concerns that could reshape the tempo and rotations on the floor. With December 13, 2025 marking their first meeting of the season, the availability of several key Pacers—most notably Tyrese Haliburton—adds an extra layer of intrigue to the showdown.
Pacers rule out Haliburton; Jackson upgraded
The Pacers’ injury list once again features prominent names, headlined by Tyrese Haliburton, who remains out due to an Achilles issue. His absence continues to shift the Pacers’ playmaking responsibilities, removing one of the league’s most dynamic facilitators from the floor.
A notable development for Indiana, however, is the status upgrade for Quenton Jackson. After being sidelined since November 3 with a hamstring strain, Jackson has now been listed as questionable, signaling a potential return to action. His athleticism and perimeter energy could offer valuable depth should he be cleared in time.
The remainder of Indiana’s injury report remains unchanged, with Kam Jones (back), Aaron Nesmith (knee), Ben Sheppard (calf), and Obi Toppin (foot) all ruled out. Each absence continues to limit Indiana Pacers’ rotational flexibility, particularly in transition-heavy stretches and defensive matchups.
What this means for the 76ers
While Philadelphia 76ers have battled their own injury challenges throughout the season, Friday’s contest presents an opportunity to capitalize on a short-handed Pacers roster. Haliburton’s absence alone dramatically alters Indiana’s offensive flow, and without multiple rotation contributors available, the Pacers are expected to lean heavily on their younger core and adjusted lineups.
For Philadelphia, containing Indiana’s remaining perimeter threats and exploiting mismatches created by the Pacers' depleted forward depth will be central to controlling the pace of the game. With both teams beginning a four-game season series tonight, the opener could set the tone for future meetings—especially if Indiana continues navigating prolonged injury disruptions.
As Philadelphia 76ers aim to defend home court, all eyes remain on Quenton Jackson’s potential return and how Indiana adapts without Haliburton steering their offense. Given Indiana Pacers’ recent history of success against Philadelphia, the injury report may play a decisive role in determining whether that trend continues.