In a significant setback, the Indiana Pacers will be sidelining eight players for their upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets, a team struggling with a 0-7 record. Currently, the Pacers hold a disappointing 1-6 record after suffering a narrow 117-115 defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Sidelined Players and Injuries
The injury list for the Pacers has grown extensively. Key players out for the game include:
- Quenton Jackson (sore right hamstring)
- Johnny Furphy (sprained ankle)
- Andrew Nembhard (left shoulder strain)
- Bennedict Mathurin (right great toe strain)
- Kam Jones (lower back stress reaction)
- T.J. McConnell (left hamstring strain)
- Obi Toppin (right foot stress fracture)
- Tyrese Haliburton (right Achilles tendon rupture)
Jackson’s recent performance included a standout 25-point and 10-assist game against the Golden State Warriors. Unfortunately, he sustained his injury during the loss to the Bucks. Furphy, who also got injured in the same game, was seen leaving the arena on crutches.
New Additions and Adjustments
Due to the overwhelming number of injuries, the Pacers have brought in two new players:
- Mac McClung (two-season standard contract)
- Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (10-day hardship exception deal)
Despite the adversity, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the resilience of his remaining players. He noted the need for flexibility as they adapt to constant roster changes. “They’ve had to figure things out on the fly,” he said. “Everybody’s spirit is good about it and we just have to keep working at it.”
Looking Ahead
With Tyrese Haliburton out for the season and Obi Toppin unavailable until February, the Pacers face a challenging journey ahead. Guard RayJ Dennis is currently listed as probable for the game, recovering from a sprained lower back.
As the Pacers prepare to face the Nets, adjustments and team chemistry will be critical for overcoming their current struggles.
