UPDATE: Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin will undergo urgent surgery to address a partial stress fracture in his right foot. The team confirmed today that Toppin will be sidelined until at least February 1, 2024, following the procedure set to take place on Monday in New York.
Head coach Rick Carlisle stated, “Probably not recommend talking about this again until probably Feb. 1,” highlighting the severity of Toppin’s condition before the Pacers faced the Atlanta Hawks tonight. This significant injury comes as the Pacers’ roster struggles with multiple absences.
Toppin’s surgery will involve placing a screw in his foot, a procedure deemed necessary after he managed only 17 minutes of play in last Sunday’s loss to Minnesota. During the season, he was averaging 14 points and 6.7 rebounds, contributing notably to the team’s performance.
The Pacers have faced mounting injury woes this season. Already missing point guard Tyrese Haliburton due to a torn Achilles, they are also dealing with backup T.J. McConnell, who is expected to be out for the first month with a left hamstring strain. In addition, rookie Bennedict Mathurin is now considered week-to-week with a right big toe sprain, and starting guard Andrew Nembhard left the season opener with a strained left shoulder.
Tonight, the Pacers are also without reserves Johnny Furphy (left foot bone bruise) and Kam Jones (lower back stress reaction), leaving the team in a precarious position as they navigate through the early part of the season.
This latest development surrounding Toppin’s injury is critical not only for the Pacers’ current lineup but also for their overall strategy moving forward. Fans will be watching closely as the team seeks to manage these injuries while remaining competitive in the league.
As the Pacers prepare for their next games, the immediate focus will shift to how they adapt in Toppin’s absence and whether they can rally against the challenges posed by their current injury crisis.
