Coach Carlisle Hopes Mathurin Plays for Pacers Against Pistons
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle expressed optimism about Bennedict Mathurin’s return to the lineup against the Detroit Pistons. This comes after Mathurin missed the previous 11 games due to a toe sprain. Carlisle noted that Mathurin is making progress and he hopes Mathurin can contribute significantly.
Mathurin’s Rehab and Performance
Mathurin has been on the mend but has shown encouraging signs during his rehabilitation process. Carlisle emphasized that while it’s exciting to bring players back, a careful monitoring process accompanies their return to ensure their health.
“He’s coming along well,” Carlisle stated regarding Mathurin’s recovery. “The return to play is challenging. We’ll see how it goes tonight.” The coach acknowledged that the exact minutes Mathurin would play remained uncertain.
Mathurin’s Impact on the Team
This season, Bennedict Mathurin has been a critical player for the Pacers, averaging 16.0 points per game for his career. In the season’s opening matches, he scored a total of 62 points before his injury on October 25 against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Pacers currently sit at the bottom of the NBA rankings with a record of 1-12. They rank 29th in the league for points per game, making Mathurin’s return vital for boosting the team’s offensive output.
Team Status
The Pacers are facing significant challenges with multiple players sidelined. Currently, they are missing six key players, including:
- Tyrese Haliburton (All-Star point guard)
- Aaron Nesmith (forward)
- Obi Toppin (forward)
- Johnny Furphy (forward)
- Quenton Jackson (guard)
- Kam Jones (guard)
As the Pacers prepare to face the Pistons, the return of Bennedict Mathurin could serve as a turning point for the struggling franchise.
