Indiana Pacers prepare to host the Sacramento Kings on Monday night at 7 p.m. ET, but they will once again take the court without several key rotation pieces. As the team looks to maintain momentum after winning three of its last five outings, an unchanged injury list continues to shape head coach Rick Carlisle’s game plan heading into the first matchup between Indiana and Sacramento this season.
Indiana Pacers remain shorthanded entering Kings clash
Indiana’s official injury report lists multiple contributors as unavailable, including All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who continues to recover from an Achilles issue. His absence once again places added playmaking pressure on the Pacers’ backcourt, especially against a Kings team looking to build off its recent win that snapped a four-game skid.
The team will also be without Quenton Jackson (hamstring), Kam Jones (back), Aaron Nesmith (knee), Ben Sheppard (calf), and Obi Toppin (foot). Despite the lengthy list, there were encouraging updates from Carlisle regarding the trajectory of several sidelined players.
Positive news on Quenton Jackson and Kam Jones
Carlisle shared that Quenton Jackson, out since November 3 with a hamstring injury, has taken a meaningful step in his recovery. According to Carlisle, Jackson “did some work in practice” on Sunday. While he remains unavailable for Monday’s contest, his increasing activity suggests a potential return in the near future—welcome news for a team in need of depth on the wing.
Rookie guard Kam Jones is also trending upward in his rehabilitation. Carlisle noted that Jones has begun participating in non-contact drills as he works back from a back issue. Though his season debut is still pending, the progress signals that he is moving closer to joining the active lineup.
Aaron Nesmith still expected to miss additional time
Aaron Nesmith, out since November 13 with a knee injury, is not expected to return immediately. Carlisle confirmed that Nesmith will continue to miss time but added that both the player and the staff remain hopeful for a comeback before the new year. His return would provide a crucial boost to Indiana Pacers’ perimeter defense and spacing.
With multiple contributors still working their way back, Indiana enters Monday’s matchup looking to stay competitive while awaiting reinforcements during a critical December stretch.