Pacers Suffer Injuries and Last-Second Miss, Face Growing Early-Season Deficit
The Indiana Pacers faced a tough start to their 2025-26 season, suffering injuries while narrowly losing to the Dallas Mavericks 107-105. With key players sidelined, the Pacers struggled to maintain their early momentum, despite showing flashes of resilience.
Difficult Loss in Dallas
Aaron Nesmith had a chance to secure a victory for the Pacers with a three-point shot at the buzzer. Unfortunately, his attempt fell short, accentuating a challenging night where he shot 2 of 15 from the field, including 1 of 8 from beyond the arc. Despite holding a 14-point lead during the game, the team fell victim to a late Mavericks rally.
Injury Struggles
- Pacers currently sit at 0-4 for the season.
- This marks their longest winless start since 1988-89.
- Key injured players include All-Star Tyrese Haliburton and top scorers Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, and Obi Toppin.
The absences of these players have severely hampered the Pacers, leaving them with a patchwork roster. On game day, eight of their 18 players were unavailable due to injuries.
Coaching Perspective
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed confidence in Nesmith, noting his history as a reliable shooter. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset despite this difficult period. The team committed to overcoming individual shooting slumps and focusing on the collective effort.
Upcoming Challenges
Having lost multiple games closely, the Pacers showed determination but will need to improve. Their upcoming schedule features tough opponents, including the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks. With a challenging road trip looming, the Pacers must leverage their remaining healthy players effectively.
Roster Adjustments
To address roster gaps, the Pacers recently signed Mac McClung, who adds depth. However, several bench players have limited NBA experience, with many having more G League appearances than NBA games. This lack of experience could hinder team performance as they face formidable opponents.
Looking Ahead
The Pacers must find a way to secure wins amid their current struggles. The team’s hope lies in the potential return of injured players soon. A few victories could revitalize their season trajectory, ensuring that they are not buried in early-season deficits.
