A Georgia businessman, Calvin Darden Jr., has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison following his conviction for defrauding former NBA stars Dwight Howard and Chandler Parsons. Darden swindled Howard out of $7 million under the pretense of financing the purchase of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, while simultaneously convincing Parsons to invest $1 million in the development of now-turned NBA player James Wiseman. Darden was also ordered to forfeit $8 million and several luxury items acquired through fraud, including a $3.7 million mansion and luxury vehicles. His trial revealed that both Howard and Parsons were misled about the legitimacy of their investments, leading to significant financial losses.

The Indiana Pacers opted to hold on to their roster during the trade deadline, despite speculation about acquiring star players. Myles Turner, who is set to become a free agent, was again at the center of trade rumors, but the Pacers made only a minor move, trading James Wiseman to the Toronto Raptors for a heavily protected second-round pick.

Wiseman, who has a torn Achilles, has already been waived and won’t contribute this season. The Pacers believe their current roster is capable of success, evidenced by the best record in the league since January 1st. They are counting on Aaron Nesmith’s return for defensive strength as they prepare for the playoff run. The team's future cap situation also played a role in their decision to remain steady.

The Indiana Pacers made a surprising decision at the 2025 NBA trade deadline by only trading James Wiseman while opting to retain their current roster, which currently sits fourth in the Eastern Conference. This move contrasts sharply with other teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, who made significant trades and are set to face the Pacers tonight. The Clippers’ trades have left them shorthanded, possibly favoring Indiana in their upcoming matchup.

The Clippers acquired Bogdan Bogdanovic and traded away several rotation players, including Kevin Porter Jr. and Terance Mann. With Indiana missing only Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson due to injury, they appear to enter the game at a personnel advantage. The Pacers are looking to solidify their standing in the Eastern Conference amidst a busy trade season for rivals.

Jake LaRavia transitioned from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Sacramento Kings amid a career-best season. Despite his performance, the Grizzlies opted against his fourth-year contract extension, making him an unrestricted free agent. With Sacramento, the Kings face a dilemma: if LaRavia excels, rival teams could outbid them for his services. The Kings can only offer him $5.2 million for the first year of a new contract. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors acquired James Wiseman, recovering from Achilles surgery, while the Indiana Pacers traded him to free up roster spots. The Grizzlies dealt veteran Marcus Smart to the Wizards and Dennis Schröder landed with the Detroit Pistons. The Clippers secured Bogdan Bogdanović from the Hawks, trading away Terance Mann and Bones Hyland. Other notable moves included De'Andre Hunter to the Cavaliers and Jusuf Nurkic to the Hornets, amidst a flurry of trades as the deadline approached.

The Indiana Pacers are preparing for their matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night, but they might have to face the game without their star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, who is listed as questionable due to a left groin strain. This injury could sideline Haliburton for his second consecutive game, following his absence in the previous match. The injury report also lists Aaron Nesmith as questionable with a left ankle sprain, while Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman are both out with serious injuries.

Haliburton has been a key player for the Pacers this season, averaging 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, shooting 44.5% from the field and 36.0% from beyond the arc. His absence could significantly impact Indiana, which currently holds the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 22-19 record. The team is on a slight downward trajectory after losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 127-117, but they have performed well recently, going 7-3 in their last ten games. Following their game against Detroit, the Pacers will return home to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Pistons are enjoying a solid season, sitting in the seventh seed with a 21-19 record. They are currently riding a two-game winning streak, having won 8 out of their last ten games. The upcoming matchup against the Pacers is crucial for both teams as they look to solidify their playoff positions.