Heading into Friday's game against the Utah Jazz, the Indiana Pacers are facing uncertainty regarding the availability of key players Bennedict Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith. Mathurin, who has been sidelined for three games due to left calf soreness, has shifted to injury management status. His scoring ability, averaging 16.1 points per game, will be missed if he cannot play. Meanwhile, Nesmith, who returned from an ankle injury, is also listed as questionable but has shown improved performance lately with 15.3 points per game since the All-Star break. If both players are out, rookie Jarace Walker could see increased minutes, having averaged 12.8 points in his last four outings.

The Pacers are better positioned than their opponents, the Utah Jazz, who hold the league's worst record and are dealing with extensive injury issues themselves. Key Jazz players like Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and Walker Kessler have all been ruled out, which further complicates their chances in Friday's match. With a clean injury report aside from Isaiah Jackson, the Pacers aim to capitalize on both their health and their opponents' misfortunes.

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a thrilling 120-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers, thanks to a last-second tip-in by LeBron James. After trailing late in the game, the Lakers showed resilience, forcing a critical miss from Tyrese Haliburton and seizing the moment when James tapped in Luka Doncic's missed shot just before the buzzer. Despite struggling early, going 0-for-6 in the first three quarters, James came alive in the fourth, scoring 10 points and ensuring the Lakers maintained their playoff position with a 44-28 record.

The Brooklyn Nets fought hard but fell short against the Indiana Pacers with a final score of 108-103. Despite trailing by 20 points at one point, Trendon Watford's offensive surge with 26 points off the bench and Cam Johnson’s 20 points sustained hope for the Nets. However, the Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam’s 26 points, held their ground. Coach Jordi Fernandez praised his team's resilience, highlighting their ability to create scoring opportunities, even in challenging situations.

The Brooklyn Nets faced a tough loss against the Indiana Pacers, falling 108-103 in a closely contested game. Trendon Watford emerged as a standout player, scoring 26 points and grabbing five rebounds, showcasing his scoring ability off the bench. Cam Johnson, returning to the lineup, contributed significantly with 20 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Despite their efforts, the Nets struggled with shooting and transition defense, allowing the Pacers to maintain an edge.

Pascal Siakam's performance was crucial for the Pacers, as he posted 26 points and six assists, bouncing back after a lackluster outing earlier in the week. The Nets attempted a comeback in the second half but fell short despite limiting Bennedict Mathurin's scoring. The grades for the Nets' players emphasize the mixed results, with Watford and Johnson receiving high marks for their offensive impact.

The Brooklyn Nets (23-47) are on the tail end of a road trip, eager to secure a win against the Indiana Pacers (40-29). Following a nail-biting 105-99 overtime defeat, the Nets aim to split the season series against the Pacers. In the previous matchup, Ziaire Williams and D'Angelo Russell each contributed 22 points, while the Pacers thrived with standout performances from Bennedict Mathurin and Myles Turner, who combined for 51 points, ensuring their team's victory.

The Nets face challenges with several key players sidelined due to injuries, including D'Angelo Russell and Cam Thomas. The Pacers' lineup is also affected, with Tyrese Haliburton uncertain to play. Both teams rank poorly in defensive metrics, yet their offensive strategies differ significantly, with the Pacers favored to outpace the Nets in this matchup. Ultimately, the prediction stands at Pacers 110, Nets 105 as they look to capitalize on Brooklyn's vulnerabilities.