The Indiana Pacers won’t have one in every of their large males within the early goings of the 2025 NBA Finals versus the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. On Monday, Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle shared that energy ahead Jarace Walker goes to be absent for not less than the primary two video games of the Thunder sequence as a result of a lower-body damage.
Carlisle additionally mentioned that there isn’t any particular return date for the previous Houston Cougars star.
“He will be out for some time,” Carlisle mentioned of Walker throughout an look on 107.5 The Fan (h/t ESPN). “I do not understand how lengthy. He actually won’t play within the first two video games of the Finals,” the 65-year-old mentor added.
Walker, who was taken within the first spherical of the 2023 NBA draft by the Pacers, sustained a proper ankle damage within the fourth quarter of final Saturday’s series-clinching 125-108 Indiana win over the New York Knicks.
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He was making an attempt to defend a shot within the paint when he seemingly landed awkwardly. He stayed on the ground as play continued earlier than getting helped off the ground. He didn’t return for the rest of the competition, the place he had two factors and a rebound in seven minutes.
Given Carlisle’s information about Walker, Sport 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals would be the soonest the participant can see motion. The sequence will kick off on Thursday at Paycom Middle in Oklahoma Metropolis. Sport 2 will probably be on Sunday on the identical venue, whereas Sport 3 is scheduled on June 11, Wednesday, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indiana.
The 21-year-old Walker has a minimal function for the Pacers, however his versatility might be missed by the crew. Thus far within the 2025 NBA Playoffs, he’s averaging 11.1 factors, 6.5 rebounds and a pair of.5 assists per 36 minutes whereas additionally taking pictures 40 p.c from behind the arc on 6.2 makes an attempt.
Throughout the 2024-25 NBA common season, Walker largely performed as an influence ahead but additionally noticed motion as a small ahead and middle. Freshly minted 2025 NBA Jap Convention Most Useful Participant Pascal Siakam might even see extra minutes on the courtroom with out Walker. Athletic ahead Obi Toppin might additionally see an uptick in his minutes.