Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers: preview and player stats

Doncic finished Wednesday's 123-112 win over the Bucks with 32 points (10-25 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 7-10 FT), five rebounds, five assists and three steals across 32 minutes. He exited to the locker room late in the fourth quarter due to an apparent right ankle injury and did not return, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports. Doncic didn't deliver his most efficient shooting effort, though he still led all players in scoring while knocking down a game-high-tying five triples. He has now reached the 30-point threshold in each of his last nine appearances. The superstar floor general also tied for the game-best mark in steals, logging multiple swipes for the fourth time over his last six outings. However, Doncic's status will be worth monitoring ahead of Sunday's game at Phoenix, as he landed on Kyle Kuzma's foot and exited to the locker room Wednesday.

Head coach JJ Redick said that X-rays on Reaves' left heel came back negative, but they won't have another update until he undergoes further imaging back in Los Angeles on Thursday, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. Reaves hurt his heel coming down after a layup attempt, but the good news is that an Achilles injury has been ruled out. The Lakers are off until Sunday, but if Reaves needs to miss that game, Ziaire Williams would have a chance to start and Luka Doncic would be extremely busy on offense.

Grimes (finger) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Bucks. Grimes didn't play Monday in Atlanta after scoring 12 points in 32 minutes as a starter in Detroit on Sunday. However, it appears that absence wasn't simply rest during the second night of a back-to-back set, as Grimes will now miss a second straight game. In his absence, Collin Sexton and Cameron Carr could remain involved with the second unit.

Sexton did not return to Wednesday's 123-112 win over the Bucks and required stitches to close a cut on his forehead, Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times reports. Sexton knocked noggins with Ryan Rollins, but it sounds like he's avoided a concussion, so he should be able to get out there for Sunday's game in Phoenix. Austin Reaves (heel) also exited Wednesday's game, and if he needs to sit out Sunday, Sexton would have the chance for some extended minutes.

Head coach Rick Carlisle said Wednesday that Haliburton (hamstring) will miss at least 10 more days, Alex Golden of SI.com reports. Haliburton is still recovering from a left hamstring strain and will need more time to ramp up. Andrew Nembhard should continue seeing increased on-ball duties in Haliburton's stead, while Quenton Jackson and Braden Smith are also candidates for increased burn.

Nesmith will not return to Wednesday's game against the Wizards due to right knee soreness. He'll finish with two points (1-6 FG, 0-4 3Pt), one rebound and one assist across 22 minutes. Nesmith struggled mightily before exiting Wednesday's contest, and his next chance to suit up will come Friday against New York. If he's forced to miss time, Jarace Walker and Quenton Jackson would be candidates for increased burn.

Furphy (knee) is practicing with the G League's Noblesville Boom, per Alex Golden of SI.com. The Pacers have been pretty quiet regarding Furphy's ACL recovery since the offseason, but it's encouraging to hear some form of progress as the forward begins to ramp up his activity. Although Furphy still lacks a firm timetable for a return and is likely to be brought back slowly, it appears a season debut before the start of the new calendar year is in the cards.

Head coach Rick Carlise confirmed Sheppard will miss "months" after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, Tony East of Forbes.com reports. Sheppard required a full repair and is without a definitive timetable for a return to action. With Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) expected to miss at least two weeks, Quenton Jackson figures to see a significant uptick in playing time. Two-way player Braden Smith could also see increased action with the parent club.