2 weeks Ago
Just six games into the 2024-25 NBA season, and it might be time for the Indiana Pacers to hit the panic button . Sitting at a disappointing 2-4, the Pacers have clearly taken a step back from last season and have been playing low-energy, unmotivated basketball. On top of that, they have been bitten by the injury bug early.
James Wiseman is out for the season with an Achilles injury, and during Friday's 125-118 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, Aaron Nesmith went down and will miss 2-4 weeks, and Isaiah Jackson also got hurt, with fears he suffered an Achilles tear of his own. © Brad Penner-Imagn Images On top of that, Myles Turner has already missed a game with injury concerns. The Pacers are very clearly hobbled, especially in the frontcourt, but they are trying to not let it get them down.
With productive starts to the season from young players like Ben Sheppard, Bennedict Mathurin, and Enrique Freeman in his limited action, the Pacers could rely on youth. "TJ (McConnel is) always says it's next man up mentality, and injuries are gonna happen throughout the course of the season, but just staying together, being confident in the player that you are, and just being ready whenever your name's called," said Sheppard. "It's gonna be super important these next couple weeks and just the whole season.
" As the Pacers seek for an identity amid injuries, overlooked players have managed to make a name for themselves, but for a team with somewhat realistic title aspirations heading into the season, relying on youth to win games is not a safe bet. Related: Carlisle Disappointed With Two Key Factors In Loss To Pelicans The Pacers have until Monday to work out some kinks, when they play the Dallas Mavericks in a very important early-season matchup..
