Pacers struggles continue against Raptors with red hot Pistons up next
The Pacers 1-12 record is the worst start to the season in franchise history after their fifth consecutive loss by at least 17 points.
The Pacers dropped their seventh consecutive game on Saturday, losing 129-111 to the Raptors following the same path to defeat. A promising start had the Pacers up by 10 points midway through the first quarter, but over the final six minutes of the quarter, the Pacers let the lead go leaving the Raps up 32-29.
The Pacers lost the remaining three quarters, as well. This game played out like the Atlanta loss with Raptors players running to the hoop seemingly at will, particularly after turnovers for layups. Toronto started the second half on a 9-0 highlighting the ease with which the Raps were getting buckets. While the Pacers battled back after that run, to get within about 10 points, the Raptors finished the third up 16 with 101 points.
Same story, different details.
This on a night when both Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard were delivering all they had. The duo combined for 52 points and made 9 of 15 three pointers and had just one of the team’s 15 turnovers. Benn Mathurin may be available on Monday night in Detroit after his injury designation was upgraded to questionable on Sunday. Anyone else who can put the ball in the bucket semi-reliably would be a big help at this point.
Jarace Walker started again, out of position but continues battling through his struggled on the offensive end. He had some quality defensive moments, but the black cloud over his game on offense has started hampering his attack mode. At this point, Walker hasn’t taken advantage of a huge opportunity to rise up an assert himself, but he should continue to get time due to all of the injuries. Just going to have to evaluate on a rolling 10-15 game watch, to see if and when there is any improvement. Regardless of which way that development goes, the information is quite valuable for the team overall.
No rest for the Pacers, as weary as they may be, with a roadie to Detroit on Monday to face the Pistons. While the Pacers have lost seven straight, the Pistons have won their last nine games. Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson have formed a strong young core, playing at a high level. Yet, Thompson has missed the last three games and Cade and Duren have missed the last two. With the early success, that roster is confident and in attack mode regardless of who is on the court.
Would be nice if the Pacers role players could find that mindset and feel a little success. As Rick Carlisle mentioned after the game, there are a lot of guys on the roster with a lot of opportunities to rise up and play well. Unfortunately, it has already gotten late early for the Pacers.
Feels like the postgame comments from Carlisle, Nembhard and Siakam were highlights from the loss to the Raptors, as opposed to any actual highlights on the court.
Pacers vs. Pistons
Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
When: Monday, November 17, 2025 - 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: FanDuel Sports Network
Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan
Odds: Pacers +10.5
Projected Starters
Pacers: Andrew Nembhard, Jarace Walker, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Pascal Siakam, Tony Bradley
Pistons: Cade Cunningham, Daniss Jenkins, Duncan Robinson, Ron Holland II, Jalen Duren
Injuries
Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin (toe) - questionable, Aaron Nesmith (knee) - out, Quenton Jackson (hammy) - out, Johnny Furphy (ankle) - out, Obi Toppin (hammy) - out, Kam Jones (back) - out, Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) - out
Pistons: Jalen Duren (ankle) - probable, Cade Cunningham (hip) - questionable, Ausar Thompson (ankle) - questionable, Tobias Harris (ankle) - out, Jaden Ivey (knee) - out, Bobi Klintman (ankle) - out, Marcus Sasser (hip) - out