Bad luck has struck the Indiana Pacers hard. The NBA runners-up are enduring a turbulent start to the season, overwhelmed by injuries that have dismantled their rotation. Tyrese Haliburton, T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, and Obi Toppin headline the growing list of absences that have left head coach Rick Carlisle with limited options.
Mathurin suffered a sprain in his right big toe, forcing the team to evaluate his status weekly. Toppin’s situation is even more serious—a hamstring strain will sideline him for at least a month. Earlier in the season, Andrew Nembhard also went down with a shoulder injury, leaving the Pacers struggling to field a full roster.
Carlisle battles to keep the team’s spirit alive
With so many injuries, Carlisle faces a major challenge. According to Mundo Deportivo, the coach had only eight available players for the game against the Dallas Mavericks. Their 0-3 record to start the season reflects the impact of these setbacks. Although Indiana has bounced back from slow starts before, the lack of depth this year makes recovery far more complicated.
Still, Carlisle refuses to give up. The veteran coach trusts his players’ experience and believes the team can endure until the stars return. “We’ve overcome tough moments before,” he said during a press conference, emphasizing the need to maintain intensity and confidence despite the adversity.
Last season, the Pacers reached the NBA Finals thanks to their cohesion, fast-paced offense, and unselfish play. This year, however, their biggest opponent isn’t another team—it’s their own health. The focus now shifts to survival: staying competitive while awaiting the return of key contributors.
If the Pacers manage to hold their ground, their depth and resilience could once again define their season. But until the injured core recovers, Carlisle’s leadership and the bench’s response will determine how long Indiana can remain a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Photo: @pacers
