The Pacers and Nets have already seen each other once, and Indiana’s 136-109 win on Oct. 25 still hangs over this rematch like a bright scoreboard. Now they meet again Sunday at 5:00 p.m. EST in Indiana, with both teams trying to turn a rough opening week into the first chapter of a stronger season. As of Friday, Oct. 30, the Pacers were 2-4 and the Nets were 0-5. That makes this game a chance for Indiana to stop a three-game slide and for Brooklyn to chase its first win.

The biggest twist is who will not be on the floor. Tyrese Haliburton is out with a hamstring injury, so the Pacers must create their usual fast, passing attack without their top playmaker. Haliburton has supplied 9.5 assists per game, meaning he often creates nearly 10 baskets for teammates with his sharp passes. Veteran guard T.J. McConnell is also out, which puts an even bigger spotlight on Andrew Nembhard.

Nembhard has been ready for larger jobs before. He is averaging 17.6 points and eight assists while shooting well from deep. He can guide the offense, find Pascal Siakam on cuts, and keep the ball moving instead of letting Brooklyn’s active defenders swarm it. The Nets average 9.6 steals, a sign that they reach into passing lanes and try to turn loose balls into fast-break chances. Indiana has to protect the ball better than its 15.3 turnovers per game suggest.

Siakam is the Pacers’ steady force in this shorthanded moment. He averages 22.2 points and 7.8 rebounds, using quick moves, strength, and smart footwork to score inside or from the middle of the court. He will face a Brooklyn front line led by Julius Randle, a powerful forward who brings 21 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. Randle can act like a passing hub, drawing defenders close before sending the ball to a cutter or shooter.

Michael Porter Jr. gives Brooklyn another major challenge. His 20.8 points per game come from his smooth shooting touch, including 40.5 percent from three-point range. Indiana must stay close to him beyond the arc, where a made shot counts for three points. At the rim, Brooklyn will need Day’Ron Sharpe’s hustle against an Indiana group missing center Ivica Zubac, who is listed out with an ankle injury.

Brooklyn rebounds well, collecting 44.8 boards per game, and that could create extra chances. But the Nets have also committed 19.2 turnovers per game, the kind of mistakes that can stop a comeback before it starts. Their narrow 125-124 loss to Boston on Oct. 27 showed they can push a strong opponent, yet their latest loss in Detroit showed how much they need steadier offense.

Indiana scores more often and shares the ball more smoothly, even with its injury problems. In front of its home crowd and after the earlier win over Brooklyn, the Pacers have the clearer path. Prediction: Indiana will win by using Siakam’s all-around game and Nembhard’s calm playmaking to keep the Nets searching for their first victory.

Pacers Seek a Second Answer for Brooklyn’s Growing Nets