Indiana Pacers vs Atlanta Hawks: 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.

Gueye underwent surgery Tuesday to repair a fractured left foot that he suffered during a workout last week, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports. Gueye will be re-evaluated by medical staff in 3-to-4 months, which means he'll miss all of training camp and preseason and likely the start of the 2026-27 regular season. It's a brutal blow for the fourth-year big man, given that the Hawks used the No. 23 overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft to select St. John's product Zuby Ejiofor. Gueye's absence means Ejiofor will have more opportunities in the preseason, and the rookie could establish a key role off the bench behind Onyeka Okongwu and projected backup center Jock Landale (ankle).

Newell (toe) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Lakers. Newell will miss a third consecutive contest due to a left great toe hyperextension. The second-year forward's absence will leave additional playing time for Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins.

Gilbert (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Lakers. Gilbert will miss a third straight game due to left knee inflammation. However, his absence shouldn't affect the rotation.

Veesaar was diagnosed with a torn right ACL and is expected to miss the 2026-27 season, the Hawks announced Monday. Veesaar suffered the injury during a workout on Sept. 15, and an MRI confirmed the diagnosis. The No. 52 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Veesaar was expected to spend a lot of time with Atlanta's G League affiliate this season. Reported out for season.