Winless Nets Run Into a Pacers Team Looking to Steady Itself

By NBA Stat Desk How we produce articles

Brooklyn is still chasing its first win, and Indiana has the clearer path to a bounce-back.

BKN @ IND Nov 1, 2026 at 10:00 PM UTC

Brooklyn arrives in Indianapolis at 0-4, one of only two winless teams left in the NBA. That record matters here because the Nets have not yet shown they can close out games or settle into a reliable rhythm. The task gets harder against a Pacers team that already beat them 136-109 earlier this season, a result that pointed to a real matchup edge for Indiana.

Brooklyn's depth is a major concern. Noah Clowney is questionable with an illness and Tyler Bilodeau is out, which thins a frontcourt that cannot afford more losses. Rotation players are also tied up with G League assignments, so the Nets may have to lean on a short group for heavy minutes. Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. gives them a spark. He scored 13 fourth-quarter points on 3-of-4 three-point shooting, but he also made a late mistake, so his decision-making in tight moments is still developing.

Indiana has its own issues. Tyrese Haliburton is week-to-week with a hamstring strain, so his availability is in doubt and the Pacers may have to build their offense without their top guard. The team has also been inconsistent, most recently falling 114-109 to LeBron James and the Lakers while shorthanded. That loss shows Indiana is still finding its balance.

Even so, the Pacers have the stronger case. They have already beaten Brooklyn comfortably this season, and the Nets bring a winless record and a thin roster. Brown can keep Brooklyn within range for stretches, but Indiana should have enough depth and familiarity with this opponent to pull away late. I expect the Pacers to take care of business and hand the Nets their fifth straight loss.

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