MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Indiana Pacers faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, March 17, 2025, severely shorthanded, as they were without four of their five starters. This roster depletion was compounded by the fact they missed key players, including the team's stars Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, as they aimed to keep their footing within the competitive Eastern Conference.
Pascal Siakam's absence, primarily attributed to personal reasons, marked his first game missed since joining the Pacers 14 months prior. This three-time All-Star forward has significantly contributed to the Pacers' success, averaging 20.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His scoring prowess and rebounding capabilities have made Siakam integral to the Pacers’ front line.
On the other hand, Tyrese Haliburton was listed as out due to lower back soreness. Haliburton, who had previously missed games this month due to a left hip flexor strain, has been the lynchpin of the Pacers’ offense as their assists leader with 9.0 per game and the second-leading scorer at 18.5 points per game. The Pacers struggled mightily without him earlier this month, losing all three games he missed.
Compounding their struggles, forward Aaron Nesmith was sidelined for management of his left ankle injury, which sidelined him for 35 games earlier this season, making him another notable absence. Center Myles Turner also didn't take the floor, as he dealt with bruising on his left hip, leaving the Pacers without their second-leading rebounder, who averages 6.4 rebounds and 15.5 points per game.
With only Andrew Nembhard remaining as the one available starter, head coach Rick Carlisle had to shuffle the roster. Nembhard stepped up to the point guard role, accompanied by Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker, and Thomas Bryant starting alongside him. This significant alteration underlines the challenge for the Pacers as they took to the Target Center to contend with the Timberwolves on this evening.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves entered the matchup on fire, riding high on their current eight-game winning streak—the longest active streak across the league. This impressive run has put them at the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference and just 3.5 games behind the Houston Rockets, who occupy the second seed. The Wolves had showcased their potential against the Utah Jazz, who they defeated the previous day, which prepared them for this matchup against the Pacers.
"The Timberwolves have won eight straight games, with all hands on deck for Monday night's matchup against Indiana," noted AP. Under coach Chris Finch, the team has become increasingly formidable, with the added momentum of their current winning streak heightening their confidence. The Wolves planned to go for their ninth consecutive victory, which would match the second-longest winning streak recorded in franchise history.
Looking closely at Minnesota’s lineup, the team boasted no injury issues, showcasing their depth and enhancing their chances against the depleted Pacers. Mike Conley, who had been sidelined for rest during the game against the Jazz, returned to help guide the Timberwolves through the confrontation with the Pacers—presenting another layer of challenge for Indiana.
Coming off significant contributions prior to this game, the Timberwolves hoped to maintain their winning culture, and matchups against short-handed teams have traditionally been opportunities for healthy teams to capitalize on potential weaknesses.
The absence of Haliburton, Siakam, Nesmith, and Turner not only deprived the Pacers of offensive versatility but also left them struggling for rebounding and playmaking throughout the encounter. Their existence on the floor could have made the difference between maintaining competitiveness and facing defeat against the Timberwolves.
By tip-off time, it was evident the Pacers were bound to face tougher odds against a Wolves team determined to extend their streak. Minnesota's pursuit of victory was evident as they eyed their ninth win, hoping to etch their name closer to franchise history.
With the overlying tension having set the stage, basketball fans were eagerly awaiting to see how the battle would unfurl at Target Center. Despite the set-backs, the Pacers were determined to showcase resilience; the outcome, as they approached game time at 7 p.m., remained to be seen.
