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.