4Breakdown
Performance
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March 7, 2026
Drops out of rotation
Jones (coach's decision) went unused off the bench in Friday's 128-117 loss to the Lakers.
Analysis
After averaging 26.5 minutes per game while appearing in 11 straight games and making six starts from Feb. 3 through this past Sunday, Jones has now been removed from head coach Rick Carlisle's rotation entirely for the past two contests. The rookie's drop in playing time has coincided with the return of Aaron Nesmith (ankle), who has settled back into a starting role on the wing while playing 20-plus minutes in both of the Pacers' past two contests. While the lottery-bound Pacers remain likely to occasionally rest veterans like Nesmith over the final month of the season to open up playing time for younger players on the roster, Jones looks as though he'll be out of the mix for minutes when Indiana has all of its key guards and wings available.
March 5, 2026
Won't start Wednesday
Jones won't start Wednesday's game against the Clippers, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.
Analysis
With Andrew Nembhard (back/neck) returning to the lineup, Jones will slide to the second unit. Over his last five outings off the bench, the rookie second-rounder has averaged 4.0 points and 1.2 assists in 18.4 minutes per tilt.
March 2, 2026
Tallies first career double-double
Jones amassed 10 points (4-11 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, 10 assists and one steal in 33 minutes during Sunday's 125-106 loss to the Grizzlies.
Analysis
Although the 10 assists were one short of his season best, Jones recorded his first career double-double Sunday. It's possible that starter Andrew Nembhard (back) will remain at risk of sporadically sitting out for injury management down the stretch, which could keep Jones in the mix for future starts. Over his six outings as a starter, the rookie second-rounder has averaged 10.0 points, 6.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 33.0 minutes per game.
March 1, 2026
Starting sans Nembhard
Jones will start Sunday's game against the Grizzlies, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.
Analysis
The rookie second-rounder will get the starting nod due to Andrew Nembhard (back/neck) being sidelined. As a starter this season (five games), Jones has averaged 10.0 points, 6.2 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 33.2 minutes per contest.