Jun 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the second half of game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

'This is Going to Potentially Present Some Big Challenges' – Indiana Pacers Coach Doesn’t Sound Optimistic With Key Starter’s Injury

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 24, 2025 8:33 AM ET

The Indiana Pacers not only lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their first game of the 2025-26 NBA campaign last night, but they also lost one of their key players in the process.

With less than eight minutes left in the first half, Andrew Nembhard left the game due to a sore left shoulder. The Canadian guard finished the evening with four points and four assists in 17 minutes of action.

“We’ll find out more tomorrow. He’s going to get some tests done. But this is going to potentially present some big challenges,” Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said on Nembhard’s injury via Scott Agness.

Jun 8, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle (center) motions to the team bench during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Despite Nembhard’s absence, the Indiana Pacers still managed to put up a valiant stand against the defending champions, sending the game into overtime before they eventually lost 141-135. Bennedict Mathurin and Pascal Siakam combined for 68 points in the home defeat.

Indiana Pacers News: Rick Carlisle avoids fine after controversial loss

The Indiana Pacers’ defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder was not without controversy. Late in the game, Obi Toppin shot a layup to make it 139-133 with 22.5 seconds left, and he stole an inbounds pass from Chet Holmgren.

May 6, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle reacts during the fourth quarter of game one of the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

However, instead of gaining possession for another chance to score, the referees ruled that the Oklahoma City Thunder had called for a timeout, angering the fans. Instead of questioning the call in the postgame presser, Indiana Pacers head coach decided to take the high road.

“I’m not talking about the refs. If I talk about the refs, I’ll be fined an exorbitant amount of money,” Carlisle said via Tony East on X (formerly known as Twitter).