New Orleans Pelicans vs Indiana Pacers: preview and player stats (Feb 8, 2027)

Injury/Illness - Bilateral Patellar Tendinopathy (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Murphy (knees) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Nuggets. Murphy will miss a fourth straight game as he continues to battle bilateral patellar tendinopathy. His next opportunity to return to the court will come Monday against the Warriors. Saddiq Bey should continue to work in an elevated role in the meantime.

Injury/Illness - Left Ankle Sprain (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-13): Murray (ankle) is out for Friday's game against Memphis. This was the expectation after the star guard requested a trade from the Pelicans earlier Friday. Given his standing with the club, Murray can be tentatively considered doubtful for future contests while New Orleans tries to find him another home.

Injury/Illness - Left Knee Contusion / Bone Bruise (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP).

Injury/Illness - Left Elbow Infection (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): McGowens (elbow) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Nuggets. McGowens will miss his second game in as many days while continuing to deal with a left elbow infection. He'll have another chance to return to action Monday against the Warriors.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP).

Injury/Illness - Right Ankle Sprain (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Watford (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Denver. Watford will miss a fourth consecutive game Saturday due to a right ankle sprain, and it remains unknown how far away he is from returning.

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP).

G League - Two-Way (2026-11-14, DEN@NOP).

Injury/Illness - Left Hamstring Strain (2026-11-15, IND@PHI). Prior reporting (2026-11-11): 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.

Injury/Illness - Left Hand Sprain (2026-11-15, IND@PHI). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Nesmith (hand) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Philadelphia. Nesmith suffered a left hand sprain in the final seconds of Friday's win over the Knicks and could be held out of Sunday's road game. If the veteran swingman is unable to suit up, Jarace Walker, Quenton Jackson and Jalen Slawson would be candidates to see an uptick in minutes.

Injury/Illness - Right ACL Repair / Surgery (2026-11-15, IND@PHI). Prior reporting (2026-10-30): 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.

Injury/Illness - Right Hamstring Strain (2026-11-15, IND@PHI). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): McConnell (hamstring) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the 76ers. McConnell missed the Pacers' first nine games of the season due to hamstring problems, and although he still seems to be working through the injury, he's been able to play in each of Indiana's last four contests. The fact that he's been listed as probable is a positive sign that he'll suit up for a fifth straight game Sunday.

Injury/Illness - Left Meniscus Tear (2026-11-15, IND@PHI). Prior reporting (2026-10-28): 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.