UPDATE: The Indiana Pacers are grappling with a catastrophic wave of injuries as Obi Toppin and Bennedict Mathurin have been sidelined just one week into the NBA season. Toppin is set to miss at least a month due to a right hamstring strain, while Mathurin has been deemed “week-to-week” with a right big toe sprain, according to Pacers coach Rick Carlisle.
This latest blow brings the total to eight players listed as out for the Pacers’ upcoming game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 1, 2023. The team’s struggles were compounded by the prior absence of star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the season with a torn Achilles, and backup T.J. McConnell, expected to miss the first month with a left hamstring strain.
The injury crisis escalated when both Toppin and Mathurin left the court during Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Mathurin was having a breakout season, averaging 31 points and 7 rebounds on an impressive 55% shooting, while Toppin contributed an average of 14 points and 7 rebounds off the bench.
Adding to the woes, starting guard Andrew Nembhard exited the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a strained left shoulder. Although he participated in part of Tuesday’s practice, there is no clear timeline for his return.
In a bid to bolster their roster amidst the growing injury list, the Pacers signed three-time dunk contest champion Mac McClung on Monday and waived center James Wiseman. This decision underscores the urgency of the situation as the Pacers attempt to recover from their third 0-3 start in the past eleven seasons. The team had previously made the playoffs during their last two similar starts in 2015-2016 and 2019-2020.
The Pacers will face significant challenges as they prepare for the game against the Mavericks, with critical players sidelined and the pressure mounting. Fans are left wondering how the team will adapt and overcome this unprecedented injury crisis as they navigate through an already tough start to the season.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.