Former Purdue All-American Braden Smith is officially making his first career NBA start for the Pacers tonight against the Hawks, but this isn’t the debut story anyone imagined. Coach Rick Carlisle confirmed Smith will step onto the court in the starting five for a team that is brutally, unbelievably short-handed. It’s a second back-to-back game in a week for the squad, and the strain is showing big time.
The Roster Is a Straight-Up Hospital Ward
You want to talk about a bare-bones lineup? The Pacers will dress just eight players for this game. Eight! And get this: only seven of those players are actually available to hit the court. Forward Obi Toppin, who was questionable earlier, will dress just to meet the NBA’s minimum requirement of eight active players, but Carlisle flat out said he won’t play. Larry Nance Jr. is also out with an illness, listed as doubtful, and will not play.
This isn’t some minor bump and bruise situation. Eight other players were completely ruled out in the initial injury report. All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, and guard Andrew Nembhard are all sitting this one out for rest or injury management, thanks to it being the second half of a back-to-back and the team’s second such situation in a single week. Then you have the long-term crew: All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton (left hamstring strain), center Ivica Zubac (left ankle sprain), backup point guard T.J. McConnell (right hamstring strain), guard Ben Sheppard (torn left meniscus), and forward Johnny Furphy (torn ACL) are all still sidelined after missing multiple games.
Out of the seven healthy and available players, only four are on standard contracts: guard Quenton Jackson, forwards Kelly Oubre Jr. and Jarace Walker, and center Jay Huff. The three guys on two-way contracts, Braden Smith, Kobe Brown, and Jalen Slawson, are all *required* to be active. Carlisle summed it up perfectly, probably with a sigh, saying, “We’re just gonna have to get through this thing the best we can.” You think?
Smith Steps Up, But What Can He Do?
So, that’s the insane landscape Braden Smith is stepping into for his first-ever NBA start. The guy is a legit talent, a former Purdue All-American and a local Westfield High School star, and he’s the all-time assists leader in Division I history. This is a huge moment for him, no doubt. Carlisle even said, “This is obviously a great opportunity for Braden. He will start so he’ll have his first career NBA start which is pretty exciting for him I would think.”
“Exciting” is one word for it. “Absolutely terrifying” might be another, considering the circumstances. Smith, a second-round pick on a two-way contract, has seen just 18 minutes of action across four appearances so far this season. His stat line is still building, with zero of three from the floor, one point from a free throw, and two assists. Tonight, he’s not just playing, he’s being thrust into the starting lineup with basically no one else left.
This isn’t just Braden Smith’s moment, it’s a test of pure grit for the entire Pacers squad. With literally no bench to speak of, every minute on the court tonight against the Hawks will be a battle. Can this rag-tag crew pull off a miracle, or is this simply a night to survive? You know we’ll be watching every possession.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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