What's happened
Indiana Pacers forward Obi Toppin will have surgery on his right foot, sidelining him until at least February. The injury worsened after initial reports of a hamstring issue, adding to the team's injury woes as they start the season 0-4. Toppin averaged 16.5 points in two games before injury.
What's behind the headline?
The injury to Obi Toppin compounds the Pacers' already significant struggles this season, with multiple key players sidelined. This pattern highlights the team's vulnerability and lack of depth, which will likely hinder their ability to compete effectively until reinforcements return. Toppin's absence will force the team to rely more heavily on younger or less experienced players, potentially affecting their long-term prospects. The timing of his surgery, amid a poor start, underscores the importance of health management in maintaining competitiveness in the NBA. The team's injury crisis may also influence trade or roster decisions in the coming weeks, as they seek to stabilize their lineup.
What the papers say
The NY Post reports that Obi Toppin is scheduled for surgery on his right foot, which will sideline him until at least February. The article notes his increased role before injury and the team's overall injury struggles, including Haliburton's season-long absence and other key players sidelined. AP News adds context, emphasizing the team's poor start at 0-4 and the impact of injuries on their season. The reports highlight the severity of Toppin's injury and its significance for the Pacers' season prospects, especially given their already challenging circumstances.
How we got here
Obi Toppin, acquired from the New York Knicks in 2023, was emerging as a key player for the Pacers, especially after the team lost star Tyrese Haliburton to Achilles surgery. The team has been plagued by injuries, including Nembhard, Mathurin, and McConnell, impacting their early season performance.
Go deeper
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The Indiana Pacers are an American professional basketball team based in Indianapolis. The Pacers compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Central Division.
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Bennedict Richard Felder Mathurin is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association.
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Obadiah Richard Toppin Jr.( OH-bee TOP-in; born March 4, 1998) is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A power forward, he played college basketball for the Dayton Flyers.
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Tyrese John Haliburton (born February 29, 2000) is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed Hali, and "the Haliban", he is a two-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third
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Andrew Nembhard is a Canadian college basketball player for the Gonzaga Bulldogs of the West Coast Conference. He previously played for the Florida Gators.