Pacers vs Mavericks

Ben Sheppard

IND · SG

Knee: Sheppard required a full repair and is without a definitive timetable for a return to action. With Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) expected to miss at least two weeks, Quenton Jackson figures to see a significant uptick in playing time. Two-way player Braden Smith could also see increased action with the parent club.

Dereck Lively II

DAL · C

Foot: Lively underwent right foot surgery last December and remains without a clear timetable to return. The big man can be considered week-to-week until the Mavericks offer an update on his status. In the meantime, Moussa Cisse and Morez Johnson are candidates for increased minutes.

Johnny Furphy

IND · SG

Knee: The Pacers have been pretty quiet regarding Furphy's ACL recovery since the offseason, but it's encouraging to hear some form of progress as the forward begins to ramp up his activity. Although Furphy still lacks a firm timetable for a return and is likely to be brought back slowly, it appears a season debut before the start of the new calendar year is in the cards.

Santi Aldama

DAL · C

Knee: Aldama continues to make progress in his recovery from right knee surgery, though he won't be ready to suit up for Friday's meeting with Houston. Without Aldama on the floor, Zaccharie Risacher, Morez Johnson, Caleb Martin and Moussa Cisse should all continue to see extra minutes.

Sergio de Larrea

DAL · SG

Knee: De Larrea sprained his right knee in Monday's win over Miami and is without a definitive timetable for a return to action. However, his absence shouldn't cause any significant waves in the rotation.

Tarik Biberovic

DAL · SF

Heel: Right heel bursitis continues to plague Biberovic. Monday's tilt versus the Kings marks his next chance to make his league debut.

T.J. McConnell

IND · PG

Hamstring: McConnell appears to closing in on making his season debut for the Pacers, though it won't come Friday in Miami. Indiana returns home for a back-to-back set Sunday against the Nets and Monday versus the Hawks, so the veteran floor general's return could come at some point then.

Tyrese Haliburton

IND · PG

Hamstring: Given the tricky nature of hamstring injuries, the Pacers will likely take their time bringing Haliburton back to the court, so don't be surprised if his absence extends beyond this two-week window. Andrew Nembhard (neck) and Pascal Siakam should each get a usage bump as they take over more of the playmaking duties sans Haliburton and there will be more minutes available for Quenton Jackson.