Pacers Receive Positive Injury Update on Point Guard
The Indiana Pacers are facing significant challenges due to injuries that have depleted their point guard lineup. Coach Rick Carlisle provided an encouraging update regarding the return of guard Andrew Nembhard.
Injury Update on Point Guard Andrew Nembhard
As of Friday, Andrew Nembhard was listed as questionable for the upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets, scheduled for 9 p.m. on Saturday. This marks a potential return for Nembhard, who had been sidelined since the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a left shoulder strain.
Nembhard’s Season So Far
- Nembhard transitioned to point guard after starting last season as a shooting guard.
- He has average statistics of 10.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals from the previous season.
- In the Pacers’ playoff run, he averaged 12.5 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.5 steals.
Nembhard’s injury occurred when he tangled with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the first half of the season opener. Since then, the Pacers have struggled without him, losing all seven games played so far.
Other Injuries Affecting the Team
The Pacers are also dealing with several other key injuries:
- Tyrese Haliburton: Out for the season with an Achilles tendon tear.
- T.J. McConnell: Right hamstring strain, expected to miss at least one more week.
- Bennedict Mathurin: Great toe sprain.
- Kam Jones: Lower back stress reaction.
- Obi Toppin: Right foot stress fracture, out until at least February.
- Quenton Jackson: Right hamstring strain.
- Johnny Furphy: Left ankle sprain.
Coach Carlisle confirmed that Furphy and Jackson are out for the entire upcoming four-game road trip. McConnell’s status will be evaluated this weekend, potentially offering some hope for recovery.
Team Adjustments and Signings
In light of these injuries, the Pacers signed veteran point guard Monte Morris to help with depth. They also added forwards Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Cody Martin on 10-day hardship contracts to bolster their roster.
The Pacers will need to navigate these challenges carefully as they seek to improve their performance during this critical stretch of games.
