The Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers are heading into their matchup with heavy injury lists, according to the official NBA injury report released April 5. Both teams face significant absences that could impact rotations and scoring options.
Indiana’s lineup is severely depleted. Johnny Furphy (right knee, ACL tear), Tyrese Haliburton (right Achilles tear), T.J. McConnell (bilateral hamstring), Andrew Nembhard (back), Aaron Nesmith (cervical strain), Pascal Siakam (left ankle sprain), and Ivica Zubac (rib fracture) are all listed as out. Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker are questionable, while Obi Toppin is probable.
Cleveland also faces notable absences. Jarrett Allen (right knee), Sam Merrill (left hamstring), Evan Mobley (left calf), Jaylon Tyson (left great toe), and Dean Wade (right ankle) are all out.
Indiana’s top scorers—Siakam (24.0 PPG), Nembhard (16.9 PPG), and Nesmith (13.8 PPG)—are unavailable. Cleveland will rely on Donovan Mitchell (27.7 PPG) and James Harden (20.2 PPG) to carry offensive load, with bench contributions from Sam Merrill and Jaylon Tyson absent.
Recent form favors the Cavaliers. Cleveland defeated Golden State 118-111 on April 2 but lost 127-113 to the Lakers on March 31.
Indiana split its last two games, winning 145-126 against Chicago on April 1 before falling 129-108 to Charlotte on April 3.
Previous meetings this season have all gone to Cleveland, including a 120-116 win on January 6.
Standings indicate differing stakes. The Pacers have been eliminated from playoff contention with an 18-59 record, while the Cavaliers sit fourth in the Eastern Conference at 48-29 and are pursuing home-court advantage in the first round.
