The Pacers finally have a win to build on—and a healthier rotation to work with.

Indiana faces Denver in Mexico City this evening after beating Memphis 107–103 on Wednesday to end its five-game losing streak. The Pacers are 3–6, the Nuggets are 4–3, and McConnell and Oubre have both been cleared to play.

There’s still considerable work ahead, but Wednesday offered something the Pacers badly needed: a competitive game that ended with them making the decisive plays.

Nesmith finished the job

Nembhard scored twenty-two points against Memphis, Siakam added twenty, and Nesmith finished with sixteen. His corner three provided the final margin after Ty Jerome’s floater had brought the Grizzlies within 104–103 with 28.2 seconds remaining.

That possession mattered beyond the shot itself. After several games in which Indiana struggled to sustain its offense late, the Pacers found an available shooter and converted an opportunity that made the final seconds much more manageable.

The defense helped create the win, too. Memphis committed twelve first-half turnovers, which Indiana turned into sixteen points.

Against Denver, the Pacers need the same alertness without assuming those mistakes will be available. 

The returning players had help

Nembhard’s third-quarter scoring helped Indiana recover from a Memphis run, while Siakam supplied efficient offense. Toppin contributed eleven points and five rebounds, including two important transition dunks in the fourth. Jackson added thirteen points and seven rebounds.

That distribution is encouraging. Indiana needs its established scorers to carry substantial responsibility while Haliburton is unavailable, but the offense becomes more dependable when other players contribute without needing possessions built entirely around them.

Smith also remained involved after his performance against Atlanta. He started again and helped organize the first-half offense before Memphis made the second half more difficult.

McConnell’s availability gives Carlisle another option for those guard minutes. 

Denver starts with Jokic

The Nuggets arrive after beating Toronto 128–109 on Wednesday. Jokic finished with thirty-two points, ten rebounds, and eleven assists.

Indiana’s defensive assignment begins with making his catches and decisions less comfortable. That requires effort before the ball reaches him: contesting position, staying attached to cutters, and communicating through screens.

Sending help is only useful if the next rotation is ready. Jokic can turn a second defender into an open shot elsewhere, so the Pacers need to be deliberate about when they commit and which passing lanes they leave available.

Zubac’s presence gives Indiana an important option for the matchup. I’m watching how comfortably he moves after returning from the ankle injury, and whether the Pacers can defend through the initial action without repeatedly exposing smaller players near the basket.

Murray makes the coverage harder

The Jokic–Murray partnership asks the two primary defenders to remain connected through several decisions in the same possession.

If Murray turns the corner, Indiana’s big man has to account for him without losing Jokic. If the guard recovers, everyone needs to recognize that quickly enough to avoid unnecessary help. The weak-side defenders must remain attentive to cuts while still being able to reach shooters.

Offensively, Indiana should make Denver defend with the same level of concentration. Early movement, purposeful screens, and quick decisions can create opportunities before the Nuggets settle into their preferred positions.

Siakam’s ability to receive the ball against a shifting defense will be important. So will the willingness of the next player to act immediately when he draws help.

McConnell and Oubre are available

The NBA’s 4:15 p.m. ET report lists McConnell and Oubre as available. McConnell has been dealing with a right hamstring strain, while Oubre’s designation reflects a left calf contusion.

Haliburton, Sheppard, and Furphy remain out. Zubac and Toppin are no longer listed.

For Denver, DeMar DeRozan is available after dealing with lower-back spasms. Julian Strawther is out with a left knee sprain.

The additional depth should help Indiana distribute minutes and maintain its pressure. It also gives Carlisle more flexibility to respond when a particular combination struggles.

Today’s details

Opponent: Denver Nuggets
Event: NBA Mexico City Game 2026
When: Saturday, November 7, 5 p.m. ET
Where: Arena CDMX, Mexico City
Watch: DAZN locally; NBA TV nationally.
Listen: 93.5/107.5 The Fan.

Wednesday showed Indiana could carry its competitiveness into the closing possessions and finish a game. Today brings a different test: maintaining that execution against an offense that will punish lapses in attention.

I’m looking for coordinated defense, useful minutes from the returning players, and another game in which the Pacers give themselves a chance late.

What are you watching for against Denver?

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