Pacers' Caris LeVert to miss at least first four games with back injury

The Pacers will be without guard Caris LeVert for at least the season’s first week, according to head coach Rick Carlisle, who announced Saturday that LeVert’s back injury will sideline him for Indiana’s first four games.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported at the start of training camp that LeVert was dealing with a stress fracture in his back, describing it as a “minor” setback and adding that the team hoped the former Net would be ready to return around the start of the season. However, it appears LeVert will require at least a little more recovery time.

Carlisle said Saturday that LeVert will be re-evaluated on October 25. That means he’ll miss games against Charlotte (October 20), Washington (Oct. 22), Miami (Oct. 23) and Milwaukee (Oct. 25) to open the year.

LeVert has dealt with multiple serious health issues since entering the NBA in 2016. He broke his leg in gruesome fashion near the start of the 2018-19 season, then had surgery earlier this year to treat renal cell carcinoma of his left kidney. When he got healthy and debuted for the Pacers last season, the former first-round pick made a strong first impression, averaging 20.7 points and 4.9 assists in 35 games (32.9 minutes).

The Pacers will also be without forward T.J. Warren (foot) to start the season.