Pacers Rookie Kam Jones Sidelined; Latest Injury Updates Around the NBA
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Indiana Pacers guard Kam Jones, the 38th selection in the 2025 NBA Draft, is expected to miss several weeks with a back injury, head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters on Monday. Carlisle said the setback makes it unlikely the rookie will be available when Indiana opens the regular season on Oct. 23 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Carlisle also confirmed that third-year wing Ben Sheppard will sit out Tuesday’s preseason opener with an undisclosed ailment but should return in the near future. With both backcourt players sidelined, veteran guard Delon Wright—on a non-guaranteed deal—may see his chances of claiming the team’s final roster spot improve. Wright and center Tony Bradley are competing for the 15th position on Indiana’s regular-season roster.
Additional injury notes
Washington Wizards: Rookie center Alex Sarr, who strained his right calf during EuroBasket, participated in non-contact drills at Monday’s practice. It marked his first on-court activity of the fall, and the club still anticipates the No. 2 overall pick in 2024 will be ready for opening night.
Dallas Mavericks: Head coach Jason Kidd said Sunday that center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is “trending in the right direction,” although he has yet to practice. Aside from Gafford and Kyrie Irving (ACL), the rest of the roster is taking part in full workouts.
Phoenix Suns: Head coach Jordan Ott reported steady improvement for guard Jalen Green (hamstring) and center Mark Williams as both ramp up for the season. Ott did not commit to either appearing in the club’s preseason games in China on Friday and Sunday, though teammate Jared Butler believes Green is “super close” to returning.
Source: Hoops Rumors
