Toronto Raptors vs Indiana Pacers: preview and player stats

Head coach Darko Rajakovic said Wednesday that Leonard (knee) is doing individual on-court work and is progressing well, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports. The Raptors are expected to provide another update on Leonard's status in about one week, though it's encouraging to see how he's progressed thus far. Collin Murray-Boyles and Ja'Kobe Walter are candidates for increased playing time for as long as Leonard is sidelined.

Barnes (groin) is out for Wednesday's game against Boston. The star forward is missing a third straight game with a groin strain. Ja'Kobe Walter should continue to handle additional playmaking duties in Barnes' stead.

Jackson-Davis (illness) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Celtics, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports. Jackson-Davis is under the weather and will sit out the front end of this back-to-back set. If Collin Murray-Boyles (illness) joins Jackson-Davis on the inactive list, Jamison Battle and Kyle Anderson would likely see increased burn.

Bittle (foot) is listed as out for Monday's game against Memphis. Bittle has been battling a foot injury for a couple of months. It's unknown when the rookie will be cleared to suit up for the Raptors, so he should be considered week-to-week for now.

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.