The Pacers (9-10) are looking to get back to a .500 record for the first time since November 10, and they’ve got the perfect chance against the Detroit Pistons at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. A win here would not only secure a crucial Emirates NBA Cup victory but also cap off a perfect 4-0 home stand for the Blue & Gold. Coming off a 121-114 victory over the Trail Blazers, the Pacers are feeling good, with Pascal Siakam leading the charge with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. The Pistons, on the other hand, are coming off a tough 131-111 loss to the Grizzlies, but Marcus Sasser did his best with a team-high 22 points.

For the Pacers to make it to the NBA Cup Knockout Rounds, they’ve got to beat the Pistons—and hope for a little help. Right now, the Pacers and the Raptors are stuck at 0-2 in East Group B, while the Pistons and Bucks are sitting pretty at 2-0. The Pacers can’t just rely on their own game. They need the other matchups to go in their favor too.

Both teams will be monitoring their injuries before this important match. So let us take a look at the injury reports and depth charts of these Eastern Conference teams.

Can the Pacers survive this round?

The Pacers have 5 players listed on their report. Ben Sheppard (oblique) will miss this game against the Pacers, and there’s no word yet on when he’ll be back. With wing depth an issue for the Pacers, Jarace Walker and Quenton Jackson will continue to step up in the small forward spot. It’s tough for the Pacers right now, and they need others to fill that gap. Let’s see how Walker and Jackson respond to the extra minutes.

Aaron Nesmith has been ruled out as well. Because of a left ankle sprain, he has been out for almost 20 days now. Nesmith aims to return in December, but Andrew Nembhard’s (knee) recovery timeline remains unclear, creating some uncertainty for coach Rick Carlisle. Meanwhile, Isaiah Jackson’s season is over after tearing his Achilles. James Wiseman, who hurt his Achilles in October, faces a long road to recovery that could stretch up to 10 months. These injuries are definitely testing the team’s depth right now, and it’s a tough situation for everyone involved.

Will the Pistons knock out the Pacers from the NBA Cup?

Cade Cunningham has been sidelined for the Pistons’ last three games because of a nagging hip issue. But there’s some hope for fans: he’s been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s NBA Cup clash against the Pacers. If Cunningham can’t suit up, Malik Beasley, who’s been holding down the fort in the starting lineup, will likely continue to do so.

Meanwhile, Tobias Harris is also questionable for Friday’s game with a left hip impingement, potentially sidelining him for a second consecutive game. Bobi Klintman is out as well, he is expected to be out till December 7th.

This is shaping up to be a fun matchup. The Pacers are desperate for a win after coming up empty in the NBA Cup so far. On the flip side, the Pistons have been rolling, winning both of their Cup games. They’re the underdogs, but don’t let that fool you—they’re coming for that third win. It’s a showdown you won’t want to miss!