Game recaps

With just six players, Indiana pushed Atlanta to the limit

The Pacers fell 108–104 in Indianapolis with an emergency rotation and only one available substitute.

Indiana lost to Atlanta on Monday, November 2, but remained competitive until the closing moments despite having only six available players. Injuries, illness, rest and injury management left the Pacers without their usual starting five.

Braden Smith, Quenton Jackson, Jarace Walker, Jalen Slawson and Jay Huff started, with Kobe Brown the only available substitute. Huff scored 22 points, Jackson added 20, and Smith recorded 19 points and 10 assists in his first NBA start.

Atlanta prevailed 108–104 behind Nickeil Alexander-Walker's 34 points. Indiana pulled within 106–104 late, before Onyeka Okongwu scored with ten seconds remaining to secure the win.

The loss dropped the Pacers to 2–6. Their severely depleted rotation nevertheless kept the game competitive through the final possessions.