Pacers Announce Bennedict Mathurin News After Leaving Grizzlies Game

Mathurin got off to an impressive start on Thursday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He scored 36 points, collecting 11 boards and one assist. Although the Pacers lost, his offensive outburst could be huge for a depleted backcourt.

However, his momentum came to a halt with 3:30 left in the third quarter during Saturday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. Mathurin departed from the game and headed to the locker room in discomfort. The Pacers revealed Mathurin would not return moments later.

“Injury Update: Bennedict Mathurin (sore right foot) will not return to tonight's game in Memphis,” the team wrote on X.

If Mathurin’s foot continues to bother him, it would be another big blow to Indiana. The Pacers already entered the game shorthanded, as another starter in the backcourt, Andrew Nembhard, was also sidelined due to a sore left shoulder.

A former sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of the University of Arizona, Mathurin finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting during the 2022–23 campaign. That early success raised expectations for his development in Indiana, and his strong start this year suggests he is ready to take another leap if he can stay healthy.

Before going down, Mathurin had continued his hot start to the year. He logged 27 minutes, scoring 26 points on 8-of-12 from the field while also collecting three rebounds and four assists. Mathurin’s next opportunity to suit up for Indiana will be Sunday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.