Pacers’ Ben Sheppard Suffers Torn Left Meniscus

Head coach Rick Carlisle said prior to Friday’s home opener vs. Dallas that Sheppard, who suffered the injury in Wednesday’s win over New Orleans, will be sidelined “a little bit,” but a definitive return timeline has not yet been established, per Tony East of Forbes and Circle City Spin (Twitter link).

Carlisle tentatively said Sheppard could be out “a few weeks,” East adds.

The 26th overall pick in the 2023 draft, Sheppard has been a rotation player for Indiana over the course of his first three NBA seasons, which included a trip to the Eastern Conference finals as a rookie in 2024 and an NBA Finals appearance in 2025.

In 65 games last season, Sheppard averaged 7.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 21.4 minutes per contest. The 3-and-D guard’s shooting slash line was .434/.362/.765.

Sheppard, 25, holds career playoff averages of 4.1 RPG, 2.4 RPG and 0.7 APG in 16.5 MPG across 38 appearances, with a shooting line of .451/.386/.846.

The former Belmont star was eligible for a rookie scale extension through October 19, but didn’t reach a contract agreement with Indiana. Sheppard, who’s earning approximately $5MM this season, will be a restricted free agent next summer if he’s tendered a qualifying offer.

While Sheppard was out Friday, wing Aaron Nesmith returned to action after missing Wednesday’s season opener due to a hamstring injury. He didn’t take his normal spot in the starting lineup though, as Jarace Walker opened with the team’s initial group with Nesmith easing his way back into action.