The Indiana Pacers were dealt a massive blow on Saturday after it was reported that guard Bennedict Mathurin is out for the remainder of the season due to injury.
Mathurin is a key part of the Pacers’ offense and has been relied upon by head coach Rick Carlisle to carry the team from time to time, especially during games when All-Star Tyrese Haliburton was out.
Bennedict Mathurin’s Injury a Big Blow To Indiana Pacers
According to the latest reports, Mathurin is dealing with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, an injury that will require surgery. With that said, the Pacers are ruling him out for the rest of the campaign, including the regular season.
Mathurin is expected to heal before the 2024-25 season begins, though it definitely doesn’t lessen the major impact his absence has on the Indiana franchise.
“ESPN Sources: Indiana Pacers G Bennedict Mathurin will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Mathurin — the 2024 Rising Stars MVP — averages 14.5 points. He’s expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-2025 season,” Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported.
“Significant blow for the Pacers in the final weeks of the season. Mathurin — the sixth overall pick in the 2022 Draft — has played a sizable part in the NBA’s No. 1-rated offense this season.”
Mathurin is averaging 14.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 37.4 percent from deep.
With the 21-year-old sidelined, the likes of Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard and TJ McConnell will have to step up to provide Haliburton more help. Former Toronto Raptors star Pascal Siakam, who arrived in Indy prior to the trade deadline will need to pick up the slack as well.
Indiana Pacers’ Current Situation
The timing of Bennedict Mathurin’s injury certainly couldn’t have been more problematic. With just 18 games left in the regular season and the Indiana Pacers trying to climb up from the eighth seed, Mathurin’s absence will only make things harder for them.
Not to mention that with the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat–who occupy the no. 6 seed–are above them by one and half game, the two teams could end up making more separation between them.
Of course the Pacers still have Tyrese Haliburton and can still compete, but when a team loses such an important player like Mathurin at this crucial stage, it’s definitely hard to replace them.
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