The Indiana Pacers are heading into tonight’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks severely shorthanded, with eight players listed as OUT — the most in the NBA.
Injury Report:
Tyrese Haliburton – Torn Achilles
T.J. McConnell – Left hamstring strain
Bennedict Mathurin – Right toe sprain
Obi Toppin – Right foot stress reaction
Peter Taelon – Right groin strain
Kam Jones – Lower back stress reaction
Johnny Furphy – Bone bruise, left foot
Andrew Nembhard – Left shoulder strain
Obi Toppin was the latest addition, suffering a stress reaction in his right foot that will sideline him for up to a month. Head coach Rick Carlisle also confirmed Tuesday evening that T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin are expected to miss an extended stretch before returning.
Indiana last took the floor on Sunday, October 26th, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, running a shortened 10-man rotation. Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith carried much of the offensive load, combining for 51 of the team’s 110 points. RayJ Dennis and Tony Bradley chipped in with 12 points apiece, but the Pacers struggled to find additional production beyond that quartet.
With much of the roster sidelined, Indiana will rely on under-the-radar contributors like Ben Sheppard, who hasn’t scored in double figures since the team’s 135–141 double-overtime loss on opening night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Sheppard should look to be more assertive offensively against a Mavericks team currently without Anthony Edwards.
Carlisle could also turn to Mac McClung, who recently signed a multi-year deal after Indiana waived James Wiseman. Known for his high-flying dunks and back-to-back NBA Slam Dunk Contest titles, McClung impressed in the G League, averaging 25.7 points per game last season with the Osceola Magic. If given minutes, expect him to attack the basket with confidence and energy.
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