Mavericks at Pacers · Recap

Fri, Oct 23 · 7:00 PM ETGainbridge Fieldhouse

1-1

Final

121–105

1-1

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	T
DAL	44	33	21	23	121
IND	27	16	33	29	105

Largest lead DAL 37 pts · 0 lead changes · 3 ties · DAL led 97% of the game

Updated 16 h ago · news 18 h ago · box score via ESPN fetched Oct 23, 9:48 PM ET · source status

DAL

This game

IND

50.0% FG (44/88)

Field goals

44.8% FG (39/87)

41.2% 3PT (14/34)

3-pointers

21.9% 3PT (7/32)

82.6% FT (19/23)

Free throws

71.4% FT (20/28)

46 reb 11 off · 35 def

Rebounds

41 reb 12 off · 29 def

15 tov

Turnovers

21 tov

54 pts

Points in the paint

60 pts

All team stats (14)

28 ast

Assists

27 ast

10 stl

Steals

6 stl

11 blk

Blocks

6 blk

21 pts

Points off turnovers

31 pts

9 pts

Fast-break pts

12 pts

27 PF

Fouls

20 PF

37 pts

Largest lead

0 pts

97% of the game

Time led

0% of the game

Team totals from the box score via ESPN; ▲ marks the better side.

Final box score

box score via ESPN · final · fetched Oct 23, 9:48 PM ET

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Max Christie G	38 min	16 pts	7-14 FG	2-5 3PT	0-0 FT	4 reb	4 ast	2 tov	1 stl	0 blk	4 PF	-2 +/-
P.J. Washington F	33 min	20 pts	6-11 FG	2-4 3PT	6-8 FT	13 reb	0 ast	2 tov	0 stl	3 blk	3 PF	-4 +/-
Kyrie Irving G	25 min	24 pts	8-15 FG	5-10 3PT	3-3 FT	1 reb	3 ast	2 tov	1 stl	1 blk	6 PF	+8 +/-
Cooper Flagg F	17 min	14 pts	4-6 FG	2-2 3PT	4-4 FT	5 reb	6 ast	3 tov	3 stl	1 blk	1 PF	+34 +/-
Daniel Gafford F	15 min	4 pts	2-4 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	3 reb	5 ast	0 tov	0 stl	2 blk	2 PF	+2 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Naji Marshall F	33 min	15 pts	7-15 FG	0-4 3PT	1-2 FT	4 reb	6 ast	2 tov	3 stl	0 blk	3 PF	+1 +/-
Zaccharie Risacher F	32 min	11 pts	4-11 FG	1-4 3PT	2-2 FT	6 reb	1 ast	0 tov	1 stl	3 blk	1 PF	+14 +/-
Marcus Sasser G	27 min	6 pts	2-5 FG	2-4 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	3 ast	1 tov	0 stl	1 blk	5 PF	-6 +/-
Morez Johnson Jr. F	17 min	8 pts	3-5 FG	0-1 3PT	2-2 FT	6 reb	0 ast	2 tov	0 stl	0 blk	2 PF	+21 +/-
Moussa Cisse C	1 min	3 pts	1-1 FG	0-0 3PT	1-2 FT	1 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+3 +/-
Walter Clayton Jr. G	1 min	0 pts	0-0 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+3 +/-
Tobi Lawal F	1 min	0 pts	0-0 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	1 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+3 +/-
Sergio de Larrea F	1 min	0 pts	0-1 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	+3 +/-
Team		121 pts	44-88 FG	14-34 3PT	19-23 FT	46 reb	28 ast	14 tov	10 stl	11 blk	27 PF

1 did not play: Dwight Powell (coach's decision)

Starters	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Andrew Nembhard G	32 min	16 pts	5-11 FG	1-2 3PT	5-5 FT	2 reb	5 ast	1 tov	1 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-6 +/-
Tyrese Haliburton G	32 min	18 pts	8-17 FG	0-4 3PT	2-2 FT	6 reb	7 ast	3 tov	1 stl	2 blk	0 PF	+0 +/-
Pascal Siakam F	29 min	23 pts	8-13 FG	3-5 3PT	4-7 FT	3 reb	3 ast	5 tov	0 stl	0 blk	3 PF	-4 +/-
Ivica Zubac C	24 min	9 pts	4-7 FG	0-0 3PT	1-2 FT	11 reb	2 ast	3 tov	0 stl	1 blk	2 PF	-23 +/-
Jarace Walker F	17 min	2 pts	1-2 FG	0-1 3PT	0-0 FT	1 reb	1 ast	4 tov	0 stl	0 blk	2 PF	-13 +/-
Bench	Min	Pts	FG	3PT	FT	Reb	Ast	Tov	Stl	Blk	PF	+/-
Obi Toppin F	25 min	13 pts	5-9 FG	0-2 3PT	3-3 FT	4 reb	1 ast	1 tov	0 stl	1 blk	0 PF	-9 +/-
Kelly Oubre Jr. G	20 min	3 pts	1-10 FG	1-6 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	2 ast	0 tov	1 stl	0 blk	0 PF	-16 +/-
Aaron Nesmith G	20 min	9 pts	2-7 FG	1-5 3PT	4-6 FT	4 reb	1 ast	1 tov	0 stl	0 blk	4 PF	-11 +/-
Quenton Jackson G	17 min	8 pts	3-8 FG	1-6 3PT	1-1 FT	1 reb	3 ast	0 tov	1 stl	0 blk	5 PF	+6 +/-
Jalen Slawson F	16 min	4 pts	2-2 FG	0-0 3PT	0-2 FT	5 reb	2 ast	1 tov	2 stl	2 blk	2 PF	+7 +/-
Jay Huff C	5 min	0 pts	0-1 FG	0-1 3PT	0-0 FT	2 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	-5 +/-
Larry Nance Jr. F	1 min	0 pts	0-0 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	0 PF	-3 +/-
Kobe Brown G	1 min	0 pts	0-0 FG	0-0 3PT	0-0 FT	0 reb	0 ast	0 tov	0 stl	0 blk	1 PF	-3 +/-
Team		105 pts	39-87 FG	7-32 3PT	20-28 FT	41 reb	27 ast	19 tov	6 stl	6 blk	20 PF

How it went

key plays in our words · scores, lead changes, runs, timeouts and fouls on starters · play-by-play via ESPN

Q1 · DAL 44, IND 27 (DAL 44–27 IND in the period)

11:29BasketGafford turnaround bank jumper · DAL 2–0
11:07BasketWalker cutting layup (assist: Zubac) · IND 2–2
10:483-pointerIrving 3-pt jumper (assist: Gafford) · DAL 5–2
10:293-pointerNembhard 3-pt jumper (assist: Haliburton) · IND 5–5
10:14BasketChristie driving layup (assist: Gafford) · DAL 7–5
9:57BasketChristie running layup (assist: Flagg) · DAL 9–5
9:15BasketZubac cutting dunk (assist: Haliburton) · IND 7–9
9:15FoulShooting foul on Flagg (1 PF)
9:15Free throwZubac free throw 1 of 1 · IND 8–9
9:00BasketFlagg driving layup (assist: Christie) · DAL 11–8
8:393-pointerSiakam 3-pt jumper (assist: Walker) · IND 11–11
8:203-pointerWashington 3-pt jumper · DAL 14–11
8:11BasketSiakam driving finger-roll layup · IND 13–14
8:11FoulShooting foul on Washington (1 PF)
7:36BasketMarshall floater (assist: Flagg) · DAL 16–13
7:18BasketHaliburton putback layup · IND 15–16
7:11FoulOffensive foul on Irving (1 PF)
6:223-pointerRisacher 3-pt jumper (assist: Sasser) · DAL 19–15
5:53Free throwMarshall free throw 1 of 2 · DAL 20–15
5:42BasketHaliburton driving floater · IND 17–20
4:553-pointerSasser 3-pt running pull-up jumper (assist: Flagg) · DAL 23–17
4:253-pointerFlagg 3-pt jumper (assist: Marshall) · DAL 26–17 DAL 10–2 run
3:55BasketMarshall driving floater · DAL 28–17
3:27BasketIrving driving layup · DAL 30–17
3:19BasketNembhard running finger-roll layup (assist: Oubre Jr.) · IND 19–30 DAL 10–2 run
2:583-pointerSasser 3-pt jumper (assist: Irving) · DAL 33–19
2:33Free throwNembhard free throw 1 of 2 · IND 20–33
2:33Free throwNembhard free throw 2 of 2 · IND 21–33
2:09FoulShooting foul on Walker (1 PF)
2:09Free throwWashington free throw 2 of 2 · DAL 34–21
2:00BasketNembhard step-back jumper (assist: Jackson) · IND 23–34
1:47BasketFlagg driving floater · DAL 36–23
1:173-pointerIrving 3-pt jumper (assist: Flagg) · DAL 39–23
54.3 s3-pointerFlagg 3-pt jumper (assist: Christie) · DAL 42–23
42.9 sBasketNembhard driving floater (assist: Toppin) · IND 25–42
35.6 sFree throwFlagg free throw 1 of 2 · DAL 43–25
35.6 sFree throwFlagg free throw 2 of 2 · DAL 44–25 DAL 10–2 run
29.0 sFoulShooting foul on Christie (1 PF)
29.0 sFree throwHaliburton free throw 1 of 2 · IND 26–44
29.0 sFree throwHaliburton free throw 2 of 2 · IND 27–44
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q1 · DAL 44, IND 27

Q2 · DAL 77, IND 43 (DAL 33–16 IND in the period)

11:27BasketSiakam driving hook (assist: Haliburton) · IND 29–44
10:16BasketIrving driving floater · DAL 46–29
9:54BasketNesmith driving floater (assist: Haliburton) · IND 31–46
9:39BasketRisacher driving bank floater (assist: Irving) · DAL 48–31
8:12FoulPersonal foul on Siakam (1 PF)
7:55BasketRisacher running dunk (assist: Marshall) · DAL 50–31
7:22BasketJohnson Jr. cutting dunk (assist: Flagg) · DAL 52–31
7:05BasketMarshall tip-in · DAL 54–31 DAL 10–2 run
6:403-pointerChristie 3-pt jumper (assist: Marshall) · DAL 57–31
5:36BasketGafford floater (assist: Flagg) · DAL 59–31
5:16BasketRisacher putback layup · DAL 61–31
4:20BasketZubac putback layup · IND 33–61 DAL 15–2 run
4:20FoulShooting foul on Gafford (1 PF)
4:11BasketWashington driving finger-roll layup · DAL 63–33
3:56BasketZubac driving finger-roll layup · IND 35–63
3:35BasketToppin running layup (assist: Nembhard) · IND 37–63
3:20FoulShooting foul on Zubac (1 PF)
3:20Free throwRisacher free throw 1 of 2 · DAL 64–37
3:20Free throwRisacher free throw 2 of 2 · DAL 65–37
3:05BasketToppin driving bank jumper (assist: Nembhard) · IND 39–65
2:25Free throwJohnson Jr. free throw 1 of 2 · DAL 66–39
2:25Free throwJohnson Jr. free throw 2 of 2 · DAL 67–39
2:15FoulShooting foul on Irving (2 PF)
2:15Free throwSiakam free throw 2 of 2 · IND 40–67
2:05FoulShooting foul on Nembhard (1 PF)
2:05Free throwIrving free throw 1 of 2 · DAL 68–40
2:05Free throwIrving free throw 2 of 2 · DAL 69–40
2:05Free throwIrving technical free throw · DAL 70–40
1:173-pointerWashington 3-pt jumper (assist: Gafford) · DAL 73–40
59.7 sFree throwFlagg flagrant free throw 1 of 2 · DAL 74–40
59.7 sFree throwFlagg flagrant free throw 2 of 2 · DAL 75–40 DAL 10–1 run
42.3 sBasketChristie driving layup (assist: Gafford) · DAL 77–40
34.5 sBasketSiakam driving finger-roll layup · IND 42–77 DAL 10–2 run
34.5 sFoulShooting foul on Gafford (2 PF)
34.5 sFree throwSiakam free throw 1 of 1 · IND 43–77
0.0 sPeriodHalftime · DAL 77, IND 43

Q3 · DAL 98, IND 76 (DAL 21–33 IND in the period)

11:22BasketHaliburton driving finger-roll layup (assist: Siakam) · IND 45–77
10:50BasketHaliburton floater · IND 47–77
10:36FoulPersonal foul on Siakam (2 PF)
10:29FoulShooting foul on Zubac (2 PF)
10:29Free throwWashington free throw 1 of 2 · DAL 78–47
10:06BasketIrving jumper (assist: Marshall) · DAL 80–47
9:063-pointerNesmith 3-pt jumper (assist: Haliburton) · IND 50–80
8:19FoulPersonal foul on Irving (3 PF)
8:17BasketZubac floater (assist: Haliburton) · IND 52–80
8:023-pointerIrving 3-pt jumper (assist: Gafford) · DAL 83–52
7:17BasketSiakam alley-oop layup (assist: Zubac) · IND 54–83
7:08FoulPersonal foul on Siakam (3 PF)
5:52BasketJohnson Jr. layup (assist: Sasser) · DAL 85–54
5:40FoulPersonal foul on Irving (4 PF)
5:28BasketJackson driving bank floater · IND 56–85
5:28Free throwJackson free throw 1 of 1 · IND 57–85
5:07BasketHaliburton running finger-roll layup · IND 59–85
4:22BasketToppin alley-oop dunk (assist: Nembhard) · IND 61–85
4:22FoulShooting foul on Christie (2 PF)
4:22Free throwToppin free throw 1 of 1 · IND 62–85 IND 10–2 run
4:05BasketWashington layup (assist: Christie) · DAL 87–62
3:39BasketWashington putback dunk · DAL 89–62
3:23FoulLoose-ball foul on Christie (3 PF)
3:23Free throwToppin free throw 1 of 2 · IND 63–89
3:23Free throwToppin free throw 2 of 2 · IND 64–89
3:11FoulOffensive foul on Washington (2 PF)
2:593-pointerJackson 3-pt jumper (assist: Slawson) · IND 67–89
2:173-pointerOubre Jr. 3-pt jumper (assist: Slawson) · IND 70–89 IND 8–0 run
1:53Free throwWashington free throw 1 of 2 · DAL 90–70
1:53Free throwWashington free throw 2 of 2 · DAL 91–70
1:11Free throwNembhard free throw 1 of 2 · IND 71–91
1:11Free throwNembhard free throw 2 of 2 · IND 72–91
56.3 s3-pointerIrving 3-pt jumper (assist: Sasser) · DAL 94–72
48.1 sBasketSlawson cutting finger-roll layup (assist: Nembhard) · IND 74–94
30.0 sBasketChristie running dunk (assist: Irving) · DAL 96–74
4.5 sFree throwWashington free throw 1 of 2 · DAL 97–74
4.5 sFree throwWashington free throw 2 of 2 · DAL 98–74
0.3 sBasketHaliburton driving finger-roll layup (assist: Nembhard) · IND 76–98
0.0 sPeriodEnd of Q3 · DAL 98, IND 76

Q4 · DAL 121, IND 105 (DAL 23–29 IND in the period)

11:37FoulShooting foul on Christie (4 PF)
11:37Free throwSiakam free throw 1 of 3 · IND 77–98
11:37Free throwSiakam free throw 2 of 3 · IND 78–98
10:513-pointerSiakam 3-pt pull-up jumper (assist: Nesmith) · IND 81–98
10:30FoulShooting foul on Washington (3 PF)
10:30Free throwNesmith free throw 1 of 2 · IND 82–98 IND 8–0 run
10:19BasketMarshall driving finger-roll layup · DAL 100–82
9:433-pointerIrving 3-pt jumper (assist: Marshall) · DAL 103–82
9:33FoulShooting foul on Irving (5 PF)
9:33Free throwNesmith free throw 1 of 3 · IND 83–103
9:33Free throwNesmith free throw 2 of 3 · IND 84–103
9:33Free throwNesmith free throw 3 of 3 · IND 85–103
8:363-pointerChristie 3-pt jumper (assist: Marshall) · DAL 106–85
8:153-pointerSiakam 3-pt jumper (assist: Oubre Jr.) · IND 88–106
7:38BasketToppin alley-oop dunk (assist: Siakam) · IND 90–106
7:11BasketJohnson Jr. putback layup · DAL 108–90
6:50BasketJackson driving finger-roll layup (assist: Siakam) · IND 92–108
6:25BasketMarshall driving floater · DAL 110–92
5:44BasketMarshall driving floater (assist: Christie) · DAL 112–92
5:19BasketSlawson driving floater (assist: Jackson) · IND 94–112
4:57BasketToppin running alley-oop dunk (assist: Haliburton) · IND 96–112
4:39BasketNembhard driving finger-roll layup · IND 98–112
4:39Free throwNembhard free throw 1 of 1 · IND 99–112
4:23FoulPersonal foul on Irving (6 PF)
4:05BasketMarshall turnaround bank jumper · DAL 114–99
3:27BasketChristie pull-up jumper · DAL 116–99
2:40BasketHaliburton tip-in · IND 101–116
2:24BasketSiakam running dunk (assist: Jackson) · IND 103–116
2:05BasketWashington dunk (assist: Risacher) · DAL 118–103
1:56BasketHaliburton pull-up jumper · IND 105–118
56.2 sFoulOffensive foul on Walker (2 PF)
44.1 sFree throwCisse free throw 2 of 2 · DAL 119–105
20.2 sBasketCisse putback layup · DAL 121–105
0.0 sPeriodFinal · DAL 121, IND 105

The game-flow line (win probability): each is a prediction tool, still a work in progress. Turn on Prediction tools to try them. What are prediction tools?

Recap

Mavericks built a big early lead and beat Pacers 121-105

Dallas won 121-105 after taking the first quarter 44-27. The Mavericks led 97% of the game and were up by as many as 37 pts. Kyrie Irving had 24 pts with 5 3PM, and P.J. Washington added 20 pts and 13 reb. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 23 pts. The Pacers shot 7-32 from three and committed 21 tov.

Sources: Box score via ESPN

Also in the picture (2)

Reported Cooper Flagg left with a left shoulder injury
ESPN reported that Flagg sat out the second half after landing hard on his left shoulder when Aaron Nesmith tried to block his shot from behind. Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reported that coach Dusty May said Flagg will be evaluated in the next couple of days. Locked On Mavericks relayed May saying Flagg was "in good spirits."
Sources: ESPN note · Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News (RotoWire) · Locked On Mavericks “Dusty May Said Something About Cooper Flagg After” at 2:42
Reported Haliburton's home return ended in a loss
Tyrese Haliburton had 18 pts, 6 reb and 7 ast in 32 min. Tony East of Locked On Pacers reported that he spoke to the crowd at midcourt after his long injury absence. East also wrote that the Pacers' "ugly start" on both ends cost them.
Sources: Box score via ESPN · Locked On Pacers “Why Indiana Pacers got embarrassed by Dallas Mavs” at 1:47 · @tonyreast.bsky.social (Bluesky)

Recap written Oct 24, 10:28 AM ET by our system from the box score and the posts linked, in our own words. Rumors and opinions are labelled.

Things to watch

set before tip, answered from the box score after

Does Aaron Nesmith play? Yes
Not on the injury list at tip
What happened: Played: 20 min, 9 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast
Does Ben Sheppard play? No
At tip: Out (ESPN)
What happened: Did not play
Does Braden Smith play? No
At tip: Out (NBA report)
What happened: Did not play

Before the game: the story

Reported Haliburton's home return meets Kyrie's comeback in Pacers' home opener

Tyrese Haliburton had 23 points and 12 assists in his first regular-season game since tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals, ESPN reported, as Indiana won in New Orleans. Now he plays at home against Kyrie Irving, who scored 15 in his own first game since March 2025.

Sources: ESPN: “Tyrese Haliburton leads Pacers' opening-night win in emotional return …” · ESPN: “Siakam and Haliburton lead the Pacers past the Pelicans, 123-120” · CBS Sports: “Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton moved to tears following first game back…” · @tonyreast.bsky.social on Bluesky · Scott Agness (@scottagness.bsky.social) on Bluesky

Also in the picture (2)

Reported Flagg scores 32 as Rockets trap Kyrie in Mavs' loss
RotoWire reported that Cooper Flagg had 32 points and three steals in Dallas's 128-110 loss to Houston, while ESPN said the Rockets trapped Irving. Isaac Harris of Locked On Mavericks noted Dallas posted a -25 net rating in the 13 minutes with both stars sitting and expects the two to be staggered a lot.
Sources: RotoWire note: Cooper Flagg · ESPN: “Kyrie Irving hounded by Rockets in return, held in check in Mavs' blow…” · Locked On Mavericks “Defining the WINS for the Dallas Mavericks | How t” at 15:28
Mavericks without Lively, Aldama, Martin and Biberovic
Dereck Lively II (foot), Santi Aldama (knee), Caleb Martin (thumb) and Tarik Biberovic (heel) are out for Dallas. Jett Howard (calf) is doubtful.
Sources: Caleb Martin status (ESPN) · Dereck Lively II status (ESPN) · Santi Aldama status (ESPN) · Tarik Biberovic status (ESPN) · Jett Howard status (ESPN)

Written by our system from the reports, posts and podcasts linked here, in our own words; written Oct 23, 10:56 AM ET, before tip. Rumors and opinions are labelled.

Since the final

posted after the final · newest first · official report, X, Bluesky, RotoWire, ESPN

BlueskyINDTyrese Haliburton18 h ago
Tyrese Haliburton's Indy returned was spoiled by a poor Pacers effort. To this point, it's effort that the Pacers need to address more than anything on either side of the ball:
@tonyreast.bsky.social · View on Bluesky
ESPNDALKyrie IrvingDay-to-day21 h ago
Irving is out for Saturday's game against the Spurs due to rest, Christian Clark of The Athletic reports.
Left, Knee (return est. 2026-10-26)ESPN · Original ↗also reported by Christian Clark of The Athletic, @UnderdogNBA
RotoWireDALSergio de Larrea31 h ago
Sergio de Larrea: Drops 21 points in loss — De Larrea racked up 21 points (9-15 FG, 3-4 3Pt), five rebounds and four assists across 33 minutes in Saturday's 122-106 loss to the Spurs.
RotoWire · Original ↗
RotoWireDALZaccharie RisacherAvailable34 h ago
Zaccharie Risacher: Starting Saturday — Risacher will be in the starting lineup for Saturday's matchup with the Spurs.
RotoWire · Original ↗also reported by @UnderdogNBA
RotoWireDALNaji MarshallAvailable35 h ago
Naji Marshall: Starting Saturday — Marshall will start Saturday's game against the Spurs.
RotoWire · Original ↗
RotoWireDALMax ChristieAvailable35 h ago
Max Christie: Available to play — Christie (shin) is available for Saturday's game against the Spurs.
RotoWire · Original ↗also reported by @UnderdogNBA
ESPNDALJett HowardOut35 h ago
Howard (calf) has been upgraded to probable ahead of Saturday's meeting with the Spurs.
Right, Calf, Soreness (return est. 2026-10-24)ESPN · Original ↗
ESPNDALKyrie IrvingOut36 h ago
Irving (knee) has been downgraded from questionable to doubtful ahead of Saturday's game against the Spurs.
Left, Rest (return est. 2026-10-26)ESPN · Original ↗also reported by RotoWire, @UnderdogNBA

Show 9 older items

XDALMorez Johnson Jr.Available36 h ago
Morez Johnson Jr. (shin) available to play limited minutes Saturday.
@UnderdogNBA · View on X
XDAL36 h ago
The Mavericks are now expected to soon rule out Kyrie Irving as well from tonight’s home opener … which would mean no Irving or Cooper Flagg for San Antonio’s visit.
@TheSteinLine · View on X
ESPNDALMorez Johnson Jr.Day-to-day36 h ago
Johnson (shin) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Spurs.
Right, Lower Leg (return est. 2026-10-24)ESPN · Original ↗
ESPNDALZaccharie RisacherDay-to-day36 h ago
Risacher (hip) has been upgraded from questionable to probable ahead of Saturday's game against San Antonio.
Right, Hip, Soreness (return est. 2026-10-24)ESPN · Original ↗
BlueskyIND37 h ago
T.J. McConnell remains out tomorrow in Brooklyn, Pacers reveal on injury report. Ben Sheppard, with a tear in his meniscus, is also out. Aaron Nesmith is probable.
@tonyreast.bsky.social · View on Bluesky
BlueskyINDAaron NesmithProbable37 h ago
Pacers guards McConnell and Sheppard are out for Sunday’s game in Brooklyn. Aaron Nesmith is probable.
@scottagness.bsky.social · View on Blueskyalso reported by @ScottAgness, RotoWire, @UnderdogNBA
ESPNINDAaron NesmithDay-to-day37 h ago
Nesmith (hamstring) is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Brooklyn.
Left, Hamstring, Strain (return est. 2026-10-25)ESPN · Original ↗
ESPNINDT.J. McConnellOut37 h ago
McConnell (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Nets.
Right, Hamstring (return est. 2026-10-26)ESPN · Original ↗
ESPNDALCaleb MartinOut40 h ago
Martin (thumb) has been ruled out against San Antonio on Saturday.
Right, Thumb, Sprain (return est. 2026-11-02)ESPN · Original ↗

Injuries at tip

official report Oct 23 · as of tip, Oct 23, 7:00 PM ET

DAL Dallas Mavericks

Started Christie, Washington, Irving, Flagg, Gafford box score

Caleb MartinOut
Martin (thumb) has been ruled out for Fridays' game against the Pacers.
Right, Thumb, Sprain (return est. 2026-10-24) · ESPN Oct 22
Dereck Lively IIOut
Lively (foot) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers.
Right, Foot, Surgery (return est. 2026-10-28) · ESPN Oct 22
Jett HowardOut
Howard (calf) is out for Friday's game in Indiana.
Right, Calf, Soreness (return est. 2026-10-24) · ESPN Oct 23
Santi AldamaOut
Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers.
Right, Knee, Surgery (return est. 2026-10-24) · ESPN Oct 22
Tarik BiberovicOut
Biberovic (heel) is out for Friday's game against Indiana.
Right, Heel, Inflammation (return est. 2026-10-24) · ESPN Oct 22

IND Indiana Pacers

Started Nembhard, Haliburton, Siakam, Zubac, Walker box score

Ben SheppardOut
Sheppard has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee and is without a timetable for a return to game action, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports.
Left, Knee (return est. 2026-12-01) · ESPN Oct 23
Braden SmithOut
G League - Two-Way · NBA report Oct 23
Johnny FurphyOut
Furphy was diagnosed with a torn right ACL on Monday and will miss the remainder of the season, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.
Right, Knee, Surgery (return est. 2027-01-02) · ESPN Feb 9
T.J. McConnellOut
McConnell (hamstring) is out for Friday's game against Dallas.
Right, Hamstring (return est. 2026-10-25) · ESPN Oct 22

Schedule & travel · referees

	DAL	IND
Days of rest	1	1
Back-to-back	No	No
Games in last 7 days	2	2
Travel to this game (est.)	865 mi	713 mi
Travel last 7 days (est.)	1,092 mi	1,426 mi
Time zones crossed	1	1
Road trip game #	2	—

Travel is the straight-line distance between arenas from the schedule, an estimate; in the first week they include preseason games. These numbers describe the schedule; they are not a prediction of how a team will play.

Referees: Pat Fraher, Brent Barnaky, Nate Green

After the game

posted after the final · newest 27 h ago · sources checked 5 h ago · each item links to where it came from

DAL Dallas Mavericks

News ESPN · Story · Oct 23
Mavericks lose Flagg to injury, and ruin Haliburton's home return with 121-105 win over Pacers
— Kyrie Irving scored 24 points and the Dallas Mavericks overcame the loss of Cooper Flagg to spoil Tyrese Haliburton 's home return for the Indiana Pacers in a 121-105 victory Friday...
source ↗
Role Locked On NBA · 2 points · 27 h ago
- Nick Angstadt (Locked On Mavs) (reported): Locked On Mavs report: de Sergio de Larrea scored up to 20 points in his first extended minutes for Dallas. The reporter thinks he could play in the Mavs rotation going forward. at 27:12
- Nick Angstadt (Locked On Mavs) (reported): With Kyrie Irving out, the Mavs played Walter Clayton Jr. a lot to handle the ball. He came in during the first quarter and played pretty much the entire game. at 27:17
“Are the Miami Heat Already in PANIC Mode After NIGHTMARE Start? Golden State Warriors LOOK Helpless” · listen ↗
News ESPN · Story · 39 h ago
Mavericks' Cooper Flagg out for home opener with mild left shoulder sprain
Mavericks star forward Cooper Flagg had an MRI that revealed a mild left shoulder sprain, the team announced. He will not play against the Spurs.
source ↗
also reported by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com
News CBS Sports · Story · Oct 23
Mavericks star Cooper Flagg injured on flagrant foul by Pacers' Aaron Nesmith
The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year hurt his shoulder, and the Mavericks got into with Nesmith on Friday night
source ↗
Availability Locked On Mavericks host · Report · 30 h ago
Kyrie Irving did not play in the home opener against the Spurs. He was questionable earlier in the day, then doubtful, and was ruled out about 90 minutes before the game. He had played the night before against the Pacers.
“Why Mavs Fans Are Upset Kyrie Irving Didn't Play in the Home Opener + Sergio De Larrea(!)” at 2:03 · listen ↗

IND Indiana Pacers

News ESPN · Story · Oct 23
Mavericks lose Flagg to injury, and ruin Haliburton's home return with 121-105 win over Pacers
— Kyrie Irving scored 24 points and the Dallas Mavericks overcame the loss of Cooper Flagg to spoil Tyrese Haliburton 's home return for the Indiana Pacers in a 121-105 victory Friday...
source ↗
Availability Gil's Arena host · Report · 44 h ago
Tyrese Haliburton will play his first home game since the 2025 NBA Finals in the Pacers' home opener against the Mavs.
“Sixers Erase A MASSIVE 29-Point Deficit, SGA Ends His Streak & Jaylen Brown Calls CAP On Tatum!_1 Part 2” at 1:15:45 · listen ↗
News CBS Sports · Story · Oct 23
Mavericks star Cooper Flagg injured on flagrant foul by Pacers' Aaron Nesmith
The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year hurt his shoulder, and the Mavericks got into with Nesmith on Friday night
source ↗
Preseason The Athletic NBA Daily host · Report · 45 h ago
The Pelicans lost their opener 123-120 at home to the Pacers. It was Tyrese Haliburton's first regular-season game in over a year.
“Sixers Thrive + Jamal Murray down bad? | Slam N Jam” at 34:02 · listen ↗
News ESPN · Story · Oct 24
Mavericks' Cooper Flagg lands on shoulder after hard foul, exits win vs. Pacers
Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg did not play in the second half Friday night at Indiana after landing hard on his left shoulder after Aaron Nesmith tried to block his shot from behind to prevent a breakaway dunk.
source ↗
Rotation Tony East, Locked On Pacers · Report · Oct 24
Jarace Walker started. Aaron Nesmith and Kelly Oubre Jr came off the bench. The host called this weird and says it wasn't asked about with Carlisle postgame.
“Why Indiana Pacers got embarrassed by Dallas Mavs in Tyrese Haliburton return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse” at 8:39 · listen ↗

Reporters, insiders and team podcasts after the final. Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts.

Before the game, they said

newest Oct 23 · reporters, insiders, ESPN and team podcasts · each item links to where it came from

DAL Dallas Mavericks

Rotation Isaac Harris, Locked On Mavericks · Report · Oct 22
The host assumes the two will be staggered a lot.
“Defining the WINS for the Dallas Mavericks | How to Beat Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers” at 15:28 · listen ↗
Rotation Locked On Mavericks host · Report · Oct 22
The host calls Dusty May's early rotations odd. No one played more than 5:10 in a row except Cooper Flagg, who had a 6:08 stretch.
“Cooper Flagg & Kyrie Irving Both Admitted to the Same Reason the Dallas Mavericks Lost” at 17:21 · listen ↗
Availability The Athletic NBA Daily host · Report · Oct 22
Kyrie Irving returned for his first game since March 3, 2025, scoring 15 on 6-of-9 shooting. Cooper Flagg also had a great game.
“Wolves Make a Big Statement in Miami + Luka’s Showtime Era Begins” at 18:29 · listen ↗
Availability Locked On Mavericks host · Relayed report · Oct 22 partly checked episode
Santi Aldama was out; the injury listed was right knee surgery.
“FULL LIVE STREAM: Mavs vs Rockets | Dallas Mavericks Game Reaction | Cooper Flagg & Kyrie Irving Debut” at 16:08 · listen ↗

IND Indiana Pacers

Availability The Mismatch host · Report · Oct 23
Tyrese Haliburton returned after about 16 months out, in a close game at New Orleans. He looked like himself and springy, with a dunk and-one. The hosts grouped this with Lillard as Achilles returns.
“The Return of Loves and Loathes. Plus: A Historic Thursday Night.” at 48:19 · listen ↗
Availability Locked On Pacers · 2 points · Oct 23
- T.J. McConnell did not play in the opener; the host does not give a specific reason for him. at 8:05
- The four expected starters who played (Haliburton, Nembhard, Zubac, Siakam) were together for 18 minutes and won those minutes by two. at 3:50
“Deeper dive into Indiana Pacers season opening win: What went right and what needs to be better?” · listen ↗
Availability Zach Lowe, The Zach Lowe Show · Report · Oct 22
Tyrese Haliburton is back. The Pacers won at New Orleans without TJ McConnell and Aaron Nesmith; no reasons were given.
“Opening Night Overreactions, Alarming Trends, Hot Takes, and More!” at 1:15:44 · listen ↗

Podcast items are our short summaries, credited to who said it. Rumors and opinions are labelled and are not checked facts.

Dallas Mavericks at Indiana Pacers, Fri, Oct 23: final, Mavericks 121, Pacers 105

This game

Final box score

How it went

Q4 · DAL 121, IND 105 (DAL 23–29 IND in the period)

Mavericks built a big early lead and beat Pacers 121-105

Things to watch

Reported Haliburton's home return meets Kyrie's comeback in Pacers' home opener

Since the final

Injuries at tip

DAL Dallas Mavericks

IND Indiana Pacers