Pacers face Hawks with only seven available players due to injuries
Indiana will take on Atlanta on Monday with a seven-man rotation after Obi Toppin was ruled out and the starting lineup was affected by injuries and rest.
The Indiana Pacers face the Atlanta Hawks on Monday evening with a severely depleted roster, as head coach Rick Carlisle is set to use a seven-man rotation. The team is looking for its third win of the season.
Only seven players available
Indiana-based sports reporter Tony East reported that eight Pacers are technically active for the game. However, Obi Toppin will dress but will not play, which leaves seven players available for the club's fourth home game of the season.
East listed the seven: Quenton Jackson, Kelly Oubre, Jarace Walker, Jalen Slawson, Jay Huff, Braden Smith and Kobe Brown.
Starters sidelined
The Pacers' entire starting lineup is out. Not all of the absences are due to injury, however. Pascal Siakam is not playing against the Hawks because he has been given a rest day.
Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Ivica Zubac are all either dealing with an injury or managing one.
A possible break before Memphis
Giving several players rest could be a strategic decision for Indiana. Tuesday, November 3, is a league-wide rest day for all 30 teams, according to Insider Brett Siegel. That gives Carlisle a chance to rest his starters before the Pacers return to action on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
That plan, however, depends on most of the roster being available for that contest.