Pacers Resume Tumultuous Season Against Growing Wizards

Indiana looks to maintain momentum against struggling Washington squad

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The injury-plagued Indiana Pacers, who have used 28 different starting lineups this season, return to the court to face the Washington Wizards in back-to-back games. The Pacers are coming off two straight wins before the All-Star break, while the Wizards have lost three in a row and own the second-worst record in the league. Indiana will be without All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, who is out for personal reasons.

Why it matters

The Pacers' season has been marked by constant lineup changes and injuries, but they have shown resilience in winning their last two games. The Wizards, meanwhile, are in rebuilding mode and have made some intriguing roster moves, including the acquisitions of Trae Young and Anthony Davis, though neither has debuted for the team yet due to injuries.

The details

The Pacers' 15-40 record this season has been impacted by 28 different starting lineups due to injuries. However, they won their last two games before the All-Star break, including a 115-110 road victory over the Brooklyn Nets in which rookie guard Kam Jones hit a key 3-pointer late. The Wizards, at 14-39, have the second-worst record in the league, but have a promising young core including Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson and Alex Sarr.

  • The Pacers and Wizards will play back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday in Washington.
  • Indiana won the first matchup between the teams 119-86 on November 28, but Washington won the second meeting 108-89 on December 14.

The players

Rick Carlisle

Head coach of the Indiana Pacers.

Pascal Siakam

All-Star forward for the Indiana Pacers who will miss Thursday's game due to personal reasons.

Trae Young

Newly acquired player for the Washington Wizards who has not yet debuted for the team due to injury.

Anthony Davis

Newly acquired player for the Washington Wizards who has not yet debuted for the team due to injury.

Bub Carrington

Young player for the Washington Wizards who was selected to participate in All-Star activities.

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What they’re saying

“(Jones) is undaunted. He's a confident kid. He comes from a strong family. He's had great coaching throughout his career and he just plays. And he always keeps believing in himself, and he made the biggest shot of his life.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head coach, Indiana Pacers (statenews.net)

“Very intriguing. I'm interested to see what (the Wizards) do and how it comes together.”

— LeBron James (statenews.net)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.