Pacers Jalen Smith late scratch with sore lower back; Obi Toppin starts

INDIANAPOLIS -- Pacers forward Jalen Smith was a late scratch with a sore lower back and forward Jarace Walker was also held out of Wednesday's game against the Wizards with an upper respiratory infection, though Walker played with the G League's Mad Ants on Wednesday afternoon.

That forced the Pacers to make a late chance to the starting lineup on the first day of All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton's absence with a left hamstring strain. Haliburton is expected to miss two weeks.

Forward Obi Toppin will start in Jalen Smith's place. Point guard Andrew Nembhard will start in Haliburton's place. Guard Bruce Brown, forward Aaron Nesmith and center Myles Turner maintain their spots in the starting lineup.