Aaron Nesmith Available as Pacers Face Raptors Sunday

Pacers aim to end losing streak against division rival Raptors

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Indiana Pacers, holding a 13-39 record, are scheduled to play the Toronto Raptors on Super Bowl Sunday. The Pacers are coming off a narrow 105-99 defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, extending their losing streak to three games. Aaron Nesmith, who was initially listed as questionable due to a left elbow sprain, has been upgraded to available for the game. However, the Pacers will be without Kobe Brown and Ivica Zubac, who are still transitioning to the team.

Why it matters

The Pacers' current struggles are intensified by injuries and the uncertainty surrounding key contributors. Nesmith's return is a positive sign, offering some relief in Indiana's lineup against a Raptors team that has maintained an advantage in their season meetings. The absence of Zubac and the doubtful status of several two-way players limit Indiana's depth as they seek to halt their losing streak.

The details

The Pacers are coming off a narrow 105-99 defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, extending their losing streak to three games. Indiana's injury report lists several players unavailable or uncertain for Sunday's matchup. Notably, Kobe Brown and Ivica Zubac, recently acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers, will not suit up. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged ongoing concerns about Zubac's ankle, which he has been managing since December, and insisted that the center will only return when fully recovered. Aaron Nesmith, initially listed as questionable due to a left elbow sprain, has been upgraded to available. Micah Potter, who has missed two recent games with a left hip contusion and was doubtful for Sunday, is also expected to play.

  • The Indiana Pacers are scheduled to play the Toronto Raptors on Super Bowl Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
  • The Pacers are coming off a narrow 105-99 defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, extending their losing streak to three games.
  • The Raptors recently beat the Chicago Bulls 123-107 but have dropped three of their past five contests.

The players

Aaron Nesmith

A player for the Indiana Pacers who has been upgraded to available for the game against the Toronto Raptors after being listed as questionable due to a left elbow sprain.

Ivica Zubac

A player recently acquired by the Indiana Pacers from the Los Angeles Clippers, who will not suit up for the game against the Raptors due to ongoing concerns about his ankle injury.

Rick Carlisle

The head coach of the Indiana Pacers, who acknowledged the ongoing concerns about Zubac's ankle injury and insisted that the center will only return when fully recovered.

Micah Potter

A player for the Indiana Pacers who has missed two recent games with a left hip contusion and is expected to play against the Raptors.

Bobby Webster

The general manager of the Toronto Raptors, who spoke about the team's recent acquisition of Chris Paul and the likelihood of him being waived without joining the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's kind of yo-yo'd a little bit,”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers (theconwaybulletin.com)

“My understanding from talking to him is that there's still something there that's not quite right. We're not going to put him out there until he's really ready.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach, Indiana Pacers (theconwaybulletin.com)

“We spoke to his agent yesterday. I don't know what he's going to do.”

— Bobby Webster, General Manager, Toronto Raptors (Twitter)

“Chris Paul's probably one of my favourite player's ever, and so, that's a weird thing to trade for him and then, you know.”

— Bobby Webster, General Manager, Toronto Raptors (Twitter)

The takeaway

The Pacers' injury concerns and ongoing struggles, coupled with the Raptors' recent form, make this a challenging matchup for Indiana as they seek to halt their losing streak. Nesmith's return provides a boost, but the absence of key players like Zubac limits the Pacers' depth and options against a formidable Raptors team.