Cleveland Cavaliers at Indiana Pacers

Injuries noted

Cleveland Cavaliers: Larry Nance Jr. (Out) — Nance hasn't played since Nov. 28 due to a right calf strain, and the Cavaliers have yet to provide an update on his progress. The veteran big man should be considered week-to-week until Cleveland offers an update on his recovery.; Donovan Mitchell (Out) — Given his absence is for rest purposes, the expectation is that the superstar guard will be able to return for Thursday's showdown in Minnesota. With Mitchell set to be a spectator Tuesday, Sam Merrill and Craig Porter should both find themselves under streaming consideration in fantasy leagues.; Dean Wade (Day-To-Day) — Wade was previously listed as questionable, but he's now likely to return from a two-game absence. This is good news for Cleveland, as Jaylon Tyson (illness) is now questionable to suit up.; Jarrett Allen (Day-To-Day) — Allen was previously listed as questionable after missing Sunday's game with this illness. He's trending in the right direction, however, and he's likely to give it a go if he continues to feel good during warmups.; Chris Livingston (Out) — After being waived by the Bucks during training camp, Livingston has latched on with another team. The 2023 second-rounder will likely see most of his playing time come with the G League's Cleveland Charge, though Livingston is also a depth option in the Cavaliers' frontcourt while Jarrett Allen's (finger) status remains in limbo.; Max Strus (Out) — Strus has yet to play this season after undergoing foot surgery back in August. For now, fantasy managers can consider him week-to-week.; Jaylon Tyson (Day-To-Day) — Tyson was a late addition to the injury report, and that's usually a troubling sign in fantasy. Fortunately for the Cavaliers, both Jarrett Allen (illness) and Dean Wade (knee) have been upgraded from questionable to probable.

Indiana Pacers: Isaiah Jackson (Out) — Jackson hasn't taken the court since Dec. 22 after suffering a concussion. The Pacers waived Tony Bradley on Monday, which should open up more playing time for Micah Potter and Jay Huff.; Bennedict Mathurin (Out) — Pacers reporter Dustin Dopirak noted that when Carlisle uses the "a while" timetable, it typically means the player will spend at least a week on the sidelines, and potentially multiple weeks. Therefore, it doesn't sound like Mathurin will be available during Week 12. Aaron Nesmith, Johnny Furphy and Ben Sheppard will all help fill the void while Mathurin is out.; Obi Toppin (Out) — Toppin will likely miss a considerable amount of time following this surgery. Head coach Rick Carlisle told the media not to ask about Toppin's status until Feb. 1. The team will likely turn to Jay Huff, Jarace Walker and Tony Bradley to help shoulder the load in the frontcourt.; Tyrese Haliburton (Out) — Haliburton tore his right Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on June 22 and underwent surgery the following day. Any hope of a return during the 2025-26 campaign was shut down Monday, when Pacers president Kevin Pritchard stated plainly, "He will not play next year though. We would not jeopardize that now. So don't get any hopes up that he will play." Haliburton has cemented himself as the face of the franchise and played a key role in Indiana's run to the NBA Finals during the 2024-25 playoffs, averaging 17.3 points, 8.6 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 33.5 minutes across 23 postseason games. During the 2024-25 regular season, the 2020 first-round pick averaged 18.6 points, 9.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals over 73 appearances.