The injury bug has spread across the NBA. New Orleans Pelicans were the first to get hit with it, now it has spread across teams. The Indiana Pacers also haven’t been spared. Last season’s first half marked Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers’ breakout moment, but sustaining that success has proven difficult. Early this year, Indiana (6-10) is grappling with consistency, dropping three straight games and five of its last six. Their struggles continued Friday in a 129-117 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, highlighting the challenges of maintaining momentum in the NBA.

In a hard-fought NBA Cup matchup on November 22, the Pelicans fell short by losing to the Golden State Warriors, by four points. While Brandon Ingram and Jordan Hawkins have rejoined the lineup, Zion Williamson remains weeks away from participating in full-contact practices. Head coach Willie Green could finally have a complete squad by January as Williamson hinted at a timeline for their resurgence.

Acknowledging the setbacks, Williamson said, “It’s very unfortunate. But as a team, we are keeping our spirits up, and it’s a long season. Guys are starting to return, so that’s going to be great. Hopefully, by January, we will be in full stride.”

Two injury-riddled teams will faceoff each other in a battle of roster depths.

Will the Pelicans beat the Pacers without their star Zion Williamson?

CJ McCollum’s recovery from a right adductor strain, which has sidelined him for nearly a month, is finally showing progress. McCollum, listed as questionable, hasn’t played since the Pelicans’ October 29 road loss to the Warriors. The 33-year-old veteran has been a reliable scorer, averaging 21 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.4 rebounds across 171 games with New Orleans. His 40.6% accuracy from beyond the arc has been crucial in creating space for teammates to operate.

Let’s be honest—getting him back on the court would be a huge lift for Brandon Ingram, who could use the help offensively. As for Dejounte Murray, he’s still doubtful but remains a key piece moving forward. The 28-year-old guard, acquired to help run the offense, will aim to facilitate for McCollum and Ingram when cleared for contact. Yves Missi (left shoulder soreness) remains questionable against the Pacers.

Despite these promising updates, head coach Willie Green still has a crowded injury list to navigate. Jose Alvarado (left hamstring strain), Karlo Matkovic (G League assignment), Zion Williamson (left hamstring strain), and Herb Jones (right shoulder strain) will all remain out against the Pacers.

Can the Pacers find the depth needed to win?

Rick Carlisle didn’t have good news for Pacers fans, delivering updates on three key injuries that paint a challenging picture. An MRI revealed Ben Sheppard’s condition is more severe than initially believed, adding him to the team’s growing list of long-term absences. He now joins Aaron Nesmith, sidelined with an ankle injury, and Andrew Nembhard, who’s dealing with a lingering knee issue. All three of them are out for the matchup.

On Nesmith’s recovery, Carlisle sounded hopeful, aiming for a December return instead of January. Earlier reports suggested Nesmith would be out until at least December after suffering a significant ankle injury. Nembhard, however, remains without a clear timeline, leaving the Pacers short on options as they navigate this stretch of the season.

Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson is officially sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn Achilles in his right leg. James Wiseman also sustained an Achilles injury during the Pacers’ October 23 victory over the Pistons in Detroit. Recovery timelines for Wiseman vary—he’s looking at 4-6 months to heal, but returning to peak condition as a professional could take 8-10 months, according to IndyStar. Needless to say, they’re both out for the match.

Bennedict Mathurin, now in his third season, has stepped up big-time for the Pacers. He’s averaging 18.9 points per game and has dropped crucial baskets for the Pacers.

The Pacers, however, are far from out of the woods. With three key players sidelined, the road ahead isn’t getting any smoother. Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III needs some backup to keep the Pelicans in the NBA Play-In hunt, and McCollum and Murray must quickly find their rhythm to provide it.