Pacers Vs Wizards: Pascal Siakam Out in pacers vs wizards Lineup Update

The Pacers announced that forward Pascal Siakam will miss Thursday's pacers vs wizards game in Washington for personal reasons, a late absence that further reshuffles an already thin rotation. The team also updated its status list: point guard T. J. McConnell will not play, while Aaron Nesmith and Micah Potter are available.

Pacers Vs Wizards injury updates

The NBA's official injury report lists Siakam as out of the first game after the All-Star break for personal reasons; he had been selected to his fourth All-Star Game prior to this absence. The team previously faced a $100, 000 fine after holding Siakam and two other starters out of a Feb. 3 game for rest reasons.

Updated availability posted close to game time flips earlier question marks: Nesmith and Potter are now available despite earlier question marks for a lumbar sprain (Nesmith), a right hamstring issue (McConnell) and a left ankle sprain (Potter). The update specifically states that McConnell will not play.

Lineup impact on pacers vs wizards

Siakam had been a central scoring presence this season, appearing in 51 of 55 games before the break and producing double-digit scoring in each of those 51 games. In those outings he reached at least 20 points in 40 games and led the team with season averages of 23. 7 points, 6. 7 rebounds and 3. 9 assists per game. His absence removes the Pacers' leading scorer from the rotation and will force more minutes and offensive responsibility onto remaining starters and role players.

With McConnell sidelined, the Pacers lose a veteran ball-handler and playmaker for the game. The combined absence of Siakam and McConnell narrows lineup options; the confirmation that Nesmith and Potter are available restores some depth, though both had been listed as questionable earlier in the week.

Long-term absences and outlook

Several longer-term injuries still shape the roster: a recently acquired center remains out with a left ankle sprain sustained in late December and has not appeared since being added on Feb. 5. Forward Obi Toppin has been out since Oct. 26 with a stress fracture in his right foot; the coaching staff indicated he could return in February and noted some recent practice action but cautioned it will be a while before he is back in game rotation.

The Pacers also list two season-ending injuries among regular contributors: a point guard is out with a right Achilles tendon tear and a forward is out with a right ACL tear. Opposing availability for Washington is also limited, with multiple key players listed as out and two of those players shut down for the season.

What to watch next

Short-term: expect a different rotation and possible lineup experimentation in Washington as the coaching staff covers for Siakam and McConnell. Monitor minutes for Nesmith and Potter, who move from questionable to available. The team’s prior fine for resting starters makes roster decisions under extra scrutiny in the immediate weeks ahead.

Medium-term: health progress for the recently acquired center and Toppin’s reintegration timeline will be key to restoring depth. If those players remain sidelined, the Pacers will likely lean more heavily on the current stable of role players until longer-term absences resolve.

• Key takeaways: Siakam out for personal reasons; McConnell will not play; Nesmith and Potter available.