Indiana Pacers point guard Andrew Nembhard will not play tomorrow against the Orlando Magic in Indianapolis.
The second-year guard has a back injury that will keep him out. When reporters were allowed into practice on Saturday, Nembhard was not wearing a jersey as he stood on the far end of the court. Other players were in typical practice uniforms.
"Nembhard is banged up. He'll be out tomorrow," head coach Rick Carlisle said. The bench leader didn't name any other players when asked who is dealing with injuries, and he said that Bruce Brown, who bruised his knee on Tuesday, has been practicing.
Nembhard's status going forward is unknown. Carlisle didn't provide an answer in either direction about the 23-year old's status beyond Tuesday's game. Nembhard is averaging 7.5 points and 4.0 assists per game this season.
He's been a part of the second unit all season, and that group has been excellent. Indiana has a +1.33 net rating with Nembhard on the court this season — the Pacers bench has been vital in many games this year.
Without him, T.J. McConnell will see more action. He's been outside the rotation at times this season, but he has been needed on many occasions and has filled in well. Carlisle knows he will get solid play from the veteran guard.
"Not going to give you a timetable. He's got a sore lower back. Out tomorrow, and then after that we'll see," the head coach said of Nembhard's long-term status. The 2022 31st overall pick missed time in the preseason due to the removal of a kidney stone and was rounding into form recently.
Nembhard entered the season more confident than ever, and his ability to slide into many roles is important for the blue and gold. They will be without that on Sunday against the Magic, and McConnell (and possibly other guards like Ben Sheppard) will need to step up in his absence.
More must-reads: