Pacers Announce Unfortunate News During Timberwolves Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 9:53 PM ET

The Indiana Pacers entered the 2025–26 season with tempered expectations, largely due to the absence of franchise star Tyrese Haliburton, who is expected to miss the entire year with a torn right Achilles tendon. Despite the setback, coach Rick Carlisle’s group has continued to battle and shown early signs of resilience.

The Pacers came into Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves with an 0–2 record, still searching for their first win. They forced the Oklahoma City Thunder to double overtime in the season opener but were blown out by the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. During those losses, Bennedict Mathurin and Andrew Nembhard both suffered injuries, further depleting the rotation heading into Sunday’s matchup.

Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) and forward Obi Toppin (1)Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

The Pacers’ injury bug continued to hit as forward Obi Toppin departed from Sunday’s game with 3:11 left in the third quarter. Toppin had logged 16 minutes off the bench before exiting to the locker room with trainers in clear discomfort. Indiana announced moments later that he would not return to the game due to right leg soreness.

“Injury Update: Obi Toppin (right leg soreness) will not return to tonight's game against Minnesota,” the team wrote on X. Toppin will finish Sunday’s matchup with nine points on 2-of-6 from the field with six rebounds.

Injury Update: Obi Toppin (right leg soreness) will not return to tonight's game against Minnesota.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 27, 2025

Toppin played a key role for the Pacers during their run to the NBA Finals last year, providing the team with an offensive burst off the bench. The 27-year-old forward played in 79 games for Indiana in 2024–25, averaging a career-best 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 52.9% overall and 36.5% from deep.

With the amount of injuries the Pacers have dealt with, Toppin was set for an expanded role, but that momentum has now been stopped. He is playing in his third year with the Pacers after spending the first three years of his career with the New York Knicks. If his right leg soreness subsides, his next chance to suit up for Indiana will be on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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