Pacers Injury Update: Playoffs & Thunder Series Impact
- The Indiana Pacers will begin their NBA finals series against the Oklahoma city Thunder without forward Jarace Walker.
- Walker sustained the injury during Indiana's Game 6 victory over the new York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals.
- Carlisle told 107.5 The Fan that Walker is still using crutches.
The Indiana Pacers face a significant challenge as forward Jarace Walker will miss at least the first two games of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a right ankle injury. This absence, stemming from a Game 6 Eastern Conference finals injury, impacts the Pacers’ defensive strategy, especially concerning guarding Thunder star jalen Williams. Coach Rick Carlisle confirmed Walker’s extended absence, leaving the team to adapt its lineup. Walker, a key player in the 2023 NBA Draft, provided valuable size and defensive capabilities off the bench throughout the season and during the early stages of the playoffs. News Directory 3 is following the story closely. Will Walker’s return in Game 3 alter the series’ trajectory? Discover what’s next …
Jarace Walker Injury: Pacers to Miss Forward in NBA Finals Opener
The Indiana Pacers will begin their NBA finals series against the Oklahoma city Thunder without forward Jarace Walker. Coach Rick Carlisle announced Monday that Walker will miss at least the first two games due to a right ankle injury.
Walker sustained the injury during Indiana’s Game 6 victory over the new York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. The Pacers’ NBA Draft pick landed awkwardly while contesting a shot by Karl-Anthony Towns and needed assistance leaving the court.
Carlisle told 107.5 The Fan that Walker is still using crutches. “He’s going to be out for a while,” Carlisle said. “I don’t no how long. He certainly will not play in the first two games of the Finals.”
Walker, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, played in 75 regular-season games, starting five. During the postseason, he has averaged 3.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 9.8 minutes across 12 games. His playing time was limited against the Knicks, but his size and defensive ability could have been valuable against the Thunder, particularly in guarding Jalen Williams.
“He’s going to be out for a while. I don’t know how long. He certainly will not play in the first two games of the Finals.”
rick Carlisle
What’s next
If Walker misses only the first two games, he could return for Game 3 in Indianapolis on June 11. The Pacers will need to adjust their rotation to compensate for his absence as they seek their first NBA championship.