UPDATE: The Indiana Pacers’ injury crisis deepens as forward Obi Toppin and guard Bennedict Mathurin are sidelined with significant injuries just one week into the NBA season. Toppin is set to miss at least a month due to a right hamstring strain, while Mathurin is declared “week-to-week” with a right big toe sprain, according to Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.
This latest development brings the total number of injured players for the Pacers to eight ahead of their game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 31, 2023. The team’s struggles are compounded by the absence of point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the season with a torn Achilles, and backup T.J. McConnell, who is expected to remain sidelined for at least a month due to a left hamstring strain.
The injury situation escalated during the Pacers’ recent loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, where both Toppin and Mathurin left the game. Until then, Mathurin was enjoying a standout start to the season, averaging an impressive 31 points and 7 rebounds on 55% shooting. Toppin contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds off the bench before his injury.
Additionally, starting guard Andrew Nembhard is dealing with a strained left shoulder, adding further uncertainty to the team’s lineup. Although he participated in part of Tuesday’s practice, Carlisle refrained from providing an update on Nembhard’s status.
To address the mounting injury woes, the Pacers have signed three-time dunk contest champion Mac McClung while parting ways with center James Wiseman. This move comes as the Pacers aim to fill the gaps left by their sidelined players.
The Pacers now face the daunting task of overcoming their third 0-3 start in the last eleven seasons. Historically, they have made the playoffs during the previous two instances, in the 2015-2016 and 2019-20 seasons.
As the team prepares to take on the Mavericks, fans are left wondering how this injury-plagued roster will respond. The urgency is palpable as the Pacers look to break their losing streak and find a way to compete despite the challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
