NBA29 min ago2 minute read

Pacers battle with six players in 108-104 loss to Hawks

Indiana used a six player rotation due to injuries and rest during a 108-104 loss against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Historic short rotation

The Indiana Pacers had only six players available on Monday night. With 11 players sidelined by injuries and rest, Indiana dropped a 108-104 game to the Atlanta Hawks. The loss dropped the Pacers to 2-6 on the season and marked their fifth consecutive defeat.

It was the earliest point in a season that an NBA team used six or fewer players since 1948. Indiana started the night with 11 players out, including Tyrese Haliburton with a hamstring injury and Pascal Siakam for rest. Kelly Oubre Jr. was a late scratch due to a bruised knee. The long list of missing players also included Johnny Furphy, T.J. McConnell, Larry Nance Jr., Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Ben Sheppard, Obi Toppin, and Ivica Zubac.

Salary gap and game action

Head coach Rick Carlisle called it injury management prior to tipoff. The sidelined players represent roughly $193 million in combined salary. The six players who got on the court make around $15 million combined. Jarace Walker led Indiana with 44 minutes played. Quenton Jackson played 34 minutes, which was the fewest among active Indiana players.

Indiana started Jay Huff, Quenton Jackson, Jarace Walker, and two way players Braden Smith and Jalen Slawson. Kobe Brown was the only reserve. Despite the short bench, Indiana stayed competitive. The Pacers trailed for most of the first three quarters but never by more than 15 points. Jackson converted a three point play with 7:36 left to cut the Atlanta lead to 93-90. Atlanta answered with an 8-0 run, but Indiana made a 9-0 run to pull within 104-102 after two Jay Huff free throws with 2:24 left.

Late rally falls short

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 34 points. Jackson stole the ball from him and scored a layup to pull Indiana within 106-104 with 1:36 remaining. Jackson then missed a three point shot with 43.1 seconds left that would have given Indiana the lead. Onyeka Okongwu made a jumper with 10.2 seconds left to secure the final margin for Atlanta.

What it means for the next game

Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards (NBA, Thu, 05 Nov): Washington Wizards win 20%, Atlanta Hawks win 80%; projected score Washington Wizards 114, Atlanta Hawks 124. Our safest pick: Hawks to win.

Indiana Pacers at Memphis Grizzlies (NBA, Thu, 05 Nov): Memphis Grizzlies win 63%, Indiana Pacers win 37%; projected score Memphis Grizzlies 123, Indiana Pacers 118. Our safest pick: Grizzlies +3.5.