Pacers Hold Off Cavaliers 99-93 as Haliburton Watch Continues

Indiana outlasted Cleveland 93-99, weathering the absence of rookie Johnny Furphy while Tyrese Haliburton continues progressing through his day-to-day status. The six-point margin reflected a tight, physical contest between the two clubs.

The decisive moment

Indiana turned a tight contest into a manageable cushion down the stretch, holding on through Cleveland's late pushes to close out the 99-93 win. The Pacers' ability to protect their lead in the final minutes proved to be the difference in a game that never saw either side pull away comfortably.

By the numbers

Final score: Indiana 99, Cleveland 93
Margin of victory: 6 points
Johnny Furphy (IND): Out for the season with a torn right ACL
Tyrese Haliburton (IND): Day-to-day, reported feeling "great" Saturday
Aaron Nesmith (IND): Day-to-day with a neck issue

The Pacers managed the win despite a thinned-out roster, with two regulars listed as day-to-day and a rookie wing lost for the year.

What it means

For Indiana, the victory comes at a cost — Furphy's season-ending ACL tear is a significant blow to their depth, and the club will need continued clarity on Haliburton and Nesmith as they move through the schedule. Still, finding a way to win without full health is an encouraging sign for a Pacers group navigating the early stretch of the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season.

Cleveland, meanwhile, will look to bounce back after falling short on the road. The six-point deficit suggests a competitive effort that came up just short rather than a lopsided defeat, leaving the Cavaliers plenty to build on.

What to watch next

All eyes in Indiana turn to Haliburton's official status update and whether Nesmith's neck issue clears in time for the next game. Cleveland will look to regroup and address whatever areas cost them down the stretch in this one.