Obi Toppin added to injury report, ruled out for Pacers' back-to-back at Boston
Toppin has been durable and is having his best season as a pro. A left ankle sprain, however, will sideline him for Friday's game in Boston.
Obi Toppin replaced Buddy Hield as the Indiana Pacers’ ironman, a player who loves the game and refuses to miss time. One of Hield’s favorite quotes when asked about his durability is “I can play hurt, I just can't play injured.”
Toppin’s special run, however, is coming to an end.
After suffering a left ankle sprain on Thursday, in the first half of the Pacers’ narrow loss to the OKC Thunder (who have won nine straight games), Toppin has already been ruled out for their game on Friday at Boston.
And yes, forward Aaron Nesmith also remains out.
It’s a weekend series in Beantown for the Pacers. First, on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Then they’ll run it back on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Toppin, 26, did not play in the second half. However, he did return to the courtside area. He rode a stationary bike for several minutes, then joined his teammates on the bench with his bright pink game shoes still on.
"He felt it when he went back out,” head coach Rick Carlisle said postgame. “I certainly assume he'll miss tomorrow."
Second-year forward Jarace Walker got some of his minutes and produced 12 points and five rebounds in 15 minutes.
In his second year in Indy, Toppin is averaging 10.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game — both career highs. He’s played in all but one game over the last two seasons — 113 of 114 — and he was the only Pacer to play in all 83 games last season.
As for the defending champs: starters Jrue Holiday (right shoulder) and Kristaps Porzingis (left ankle sprain) are both questionable to play.
The Pacers lost to the Thunder 120-114 despite leading by four with 3:42 to play. The The Thunder finished the game on a 17-7 run with MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading with 11 points during that stretch to outscore the Pacers by himself. He finished with a game-high 45 points.
The loss dropped the Pacers back to below .500 at 15-16. They had won a season-high five straight games.
Now three of their next five games are on the road (at Boston, at Boston, v Milwaukee, at Miami, v Phoenix) and against league leaders.
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SO Nemhardt is out tonite injury management!!!??? Whats up with Neismith, missed like 26 games! It was said that he would be back after Christmas, so is it ligmaments? So 2 short tonite!! Why since HALI has gotten his 50M he is so hit and miss and not getting the assists as he used to. Seems to make some bad turnovers! As far as points last night and no more than he had, helped in the loss! Siakam called the team out I read today. He is earning and showing up every game!