Pacers Face Crisis as Toppin, Mathurin Join Injury List

BREAKING: The Indiana Pacers’ injury crisis deepens as forward Obi Toppin and guard Bennedict Mathurin have both been sidelined with significant injuries. Toppin is set to miss at least a month due to a right hamstring strain, while Mathurin is classified as “week-to-week” with a right big toe sprain, according to Coach Rick Carlisle. This alarming news comes just days before the Pacers face the Dallas Mavericks on November 1, 2023.

The Pacers now have a staggering total of eight players listed as out, exacerbating an already dire situation. Tyrese Haliburton, the team’s star point guard, is out for the season with a torn Achilles, and backup T.J. McConnell is expected to miss the first month due to a left hamstring strain. This leaves the Pacers scrambling for depth just one week into the NBA season.

Mathurin and Toppin both exited the game during a loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 29, 2023. Mathurin had been enjoying a breakout start, averaging an impressive 31 points and 7 rebounds on 55% shooting. Meanwhile, Toppin was contributing 14 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. Their absence will be felt significantly as the team struggles to find its footing.

Additionally, guard Andrew Nembhard left the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a strained left shoulder. Although he participated in part of Tuesday’s practice, Carlisle did not provide an update on when Nembhard might return. The status of reserves Taelon Peter (groin), Johnny Furphy (foot), and Kam Jones (lower back) further complicates the roster situation as they are also expected to miss the upcoming game against the Mavericks.

In response to these injuries, the Pacers made a strategic move by signing three-time dunk contest champion Mac McClung on Monday and waiving center James Wiseman. This decision underscores the urgency of their situation as they seek to fill gaps in their lineup.

The Pacers are now facing their third 0-3 start in the last 11 seasons, a troubling trend for a franchise looking to build on past playoff appearances in 2015-2016 and 2019-2020. As injuries continue to mount, fans and analysts alike are left wondering how this will impact the Pacers’ season.

Stay tuned for further updates as the Pacers navigate this challenging phase. The impact of these injuries could have significant ramifications for their performance in the weeks to come.