The Miami Heat will face the Indiana Pacers on Thursday without several key players. Josh Richardson is sidelined due to right heel inflammation, while Dru Smith is out for the season following left Achilles surgery. However, Nikola Jovic and Duncan Robinson have been cleared to play after recovering from their respective injuries.

On the Pacers' side, Aaron Nesmith is also out with a sprained left ankle, limiting his participation this season. Additionally, James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson are both out for the year due to Achilles tendon injuries. The status of two-way players Quenton Jackson and Enrique Freeman remains uncertain as they are doubtful for the game.

This matchup is crucial for both teams as Miami, sitting at 17-14, holds the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, while the Pacers at 16-18 are currently No. 8. The game is significant as both teams aim to secure their positions and avoid the play-in tournament.

The Golden State Warriors are set to host the Indiana Pacers in their first regular season matchup, with the Pacers having the upper hand in recent encounters, winning six of the last nine games since the 2019-2020 season.

Both teams are dealing with significant injury concerns. The Warriors have Draymond Green, Moses Moody, and Gary Payton II listed as questionable, while the Pacers have seven players on their injury report, including James Wiseman, who is out.

The Indiana Pacers are facing significant challenges with multiple key players injured, which has inadvertently benefited fantasy basketball owners. With centers Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman out for the season, the Pacers signed Moses Brown to bolster their frontcourt.

Additionally, starting wings Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith are sidelined, impacting the team's performance. Coach Rick Carlisle remains hopeful for Nesmith's return soon.

In the meantime, role players like Ben Sheppard, T.J. McConnell, and Quenton Jackson are stepping up, with Jackson showing promise as a starter. Despite some inefficiencies, McConnell is contributing solidly in limited minutes, while Mathurin continues to impress on the court.

The Indiana Pacers faced a rocky start to the season but found momentum in their recent victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has been dealing with injuries, showcased a remarkable performance, scoring 34 points and making nine 3-pointers.

After struggling earlier in the season, Haliburton's resurgence has helped the Pacers secure back-to-back wins. He acknowledged his frustrations but emphasized the importance of maintaining joy in the game.

The Indiana Pacers, struggling with a 7-10 record, found a spark in their recent game against the New Orleans Pelicans, winning 114-110. Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has faced injury challenges, showcased his talent with a season-high 34 points and 13 assists, including nine 3-pointers.

This performance marks a turnaround for Haliburton, who averaged just 15.8 points earlier in the season. His recent scoring surge has helped the Pacers secure two consecutive victories.