Pacers to Host Mavericks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
The Indiana Pacers return home to face the Dallas Mavericks this Thursday in Indianapolis.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Basketball
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The Indiana Pacers are set to host the Dallas Mavericks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 24, 2026. The matchup begins at 7 p.m. as the Pacers look to build on momentum following their recent 123-120 victory over the Pelicans.
Why it matters
Both teams are navigating an influx of early-season injury reports that have left several key rotation players sidelined or listed as questionable. Managing these depth concerns will be critical for both organizations as they adjust their lineups during the opening week of the season.
Multiple players are listed on the injury report, including T.J. McConnell with a hamstring strain and Dereck Lively II recovering from foot surgery. These absences follow a high-scoring 123-120 season opener for Indiana.
The players
Indiana Pacers
This professional basketball team competes in the NBA's Eastern Conference and plays its home games in Indianapolis.
Dallas Mavericks
This NBA franchise is based in Texas and competes in the Western Conference.
Ben Sheppard
He is an active player for the Indiana Pacers who sustained an injury during the season opener.
Dereck Lively II
He is a center for the Dallas Mavericks currently sidelined due to recovery from foot surgery.
The details
Ben Sheppard is currently dealing with knee soreness after exiting the game against the Pelicans, while Aaron Nesmith remains questionable with a left hamstring strain. The Mavericks are managing their own health concerns as Dereck Lively II continues his recovery from foot surgery.
Timeline
The Pacers and Mavericks tip off at 7 p.m. on October 24, 2026.
The Pacers played the Pelicans in their season opener in October 2026.
Johnny Furphy suffered a torn ACL in February 2026.
Santi Aldama had his season ended by knee surgery in March 2026.
Season Trajectory
This early-season home game impacts the Pacers' ability to maintain a positive record during their opening schedule stretch. Securing a win against the Mavericks will provide a necessary cushion in the standings while the team navigates multiple roster absences.
The Pacers face immediate rotation adjustments if Ben Sheppard and Aaron Nesmith are both unable to play. Fantasy managers and fans should monitor the final injury report released before the 7 p.m. tip-off for confirmed starters.
The takeaway
Injuries in the first week of the season often force teams to rely on deeper bench rotations sooner than anticipated. Monitoring team news leading up to tip-off is the best way to understand how lineups will evolve throughout the week.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit the Indianapolis Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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