INDIANAPOLIS– Pacers guard Ben Sheppard underwent an MRI on his strained left indirect this week and the outcomes confirmed he could be out “weeks, not days,” coach Rick Carlisle mentioned throughout his pregame press convention Sunday earlier than Indiana’s sport towards the Wizards.
Sheppard was injured within the Pacers’ win over the Warmth final week. He is missed the final three video games, however in a radio interview Tuesday, Carlisle mentioned he did not assume the damage was significantly severe and that the Pacers have been hopeful Sheppard might return Wednesday or Friday. Sheppard was listed as questionable for each video games earlier than finally being dominated out, however he was dominated out in Saturday’s preliminary damage report for Sunday’s sport.
“He had an MRI,” Carlisle mentioned, “and it’s been weeks, not days.”
Pacers rating: NBA Wizards vs Pacers sport as we speak stay. Newest scores, highlights, stats, predictions
Carlisle additionally mentioned it had no replace on when goalkeeper Andrew Nembhard would possibly return from tendonitis in his proper knee. He mentioned on Nov. 10 that Nembhard could be out for 2 weeks, which means he ought to return now. Carlisle additionally mentioned that ahead Aaron Nesmith remains to be trying to return in December they usually hope it will not be January.
The absence of all three has been a major problem for the Pacers, particularly on the defensive finish. Nembhard and Nesmith have been the Pacers’ most dependable perimeter defenders over the previous three seasons and Sheppard rapidly acquired into discussions with him in his second yr on the crew. These three are the groups finest choices towards high wing scorers. With out them, they allowed a league-worst 129.7 factors per sport in three straight losses this week.
Sheppard additionally averaged 5.8 factors per sport and shot 40.4% from past the 3-point arc. Nembhard averages 7.3 factors and 4.7 assists per sport and Nesmith averages 9.2 factors per sport.
With these three outs, guard Quenton Jackson, who’s on a two-way contract, began the final two video games.
This text was initially revealed on the Indianapolis Star: Ben Sheppard damage replace: Pacers keep away from indirect MRI