Indiana Pacers vs Sacramento Kings: preview and player stats

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.

Achiuwa left Tuesday's 107-100 loss to the Magic with a left lower leg contusion and did not return, Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento reports. With Achiuwa exiting the game after 14 minutes, more minutes became available for Dylan Cardwell. If Achiuwa needs to miss Friday's game against the Trail Blazers, Keegan Murray would likely return to the starting lineup, and Cardwell would have the chance for some extended run.

Simmons underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair a torn right Achilles tendon, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports. Simmons had a quality preseason, averaging 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists over 17.4 minutes per contest (two games). The 30-year-old was on track to suit up for the Kings on opening night, though those plans were halted after he suffered a torn Achilles tendon during practice. Now, Simmons will focus on rehab. However, it's unknown what the future holds regarding his career in the NBA. Reported out for season.

Raynaud (knee) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Orlando. Raynaud is expected to be re-evaluated soon, though he can be considered week-to-week until the Kings offer an update on his status. Dylan Cardwell and Precious Achiuwa will likely continue seeing increased burn in Raynaud's absence.