Pacers vs Nets Preview: Patience vs Progress

Tonight the Indiana Pacers visit the Brooklyn Nets in a late season matchup. Indiana is clearly in a reset year because Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season after his Achilles injury. The Pacers traded for Ivica Zubac but he is also out, so young players get big minutes. Brooklyn is rebuilding too, with Michael Porter Jr. shut down and Nic Claxton out with a sprained finger.

With Haliburton and Demin out, guards like Andrew Nembhard and Kam Jones will handle playmaking duties. Pascal Siakam remains Indiana's top scorer and will face a Nets defense missing Nic Claxton. Brooklyn will rely on younger wings and role players while Michael Porter Jr. is being rested. Both teams aim to give minutes to prospects and bench players, so tonight will feel like an extended audition for next season.

Both teams are targeting draft positioning as the season winds down, so each loss can help their long-term plan. Indiana protected its first-round pick only in the top four, which affects trade value and strategy. Brooklyn hopes young guards like Nolan Traore continue to grow while managers weigh summer moves. Tonight is less about the final score and more about measuring prospects and planning for a brighter future.