Injury Roundup: Sheppard Sidelined; Thunder, Sixers, Hornets Issue Additional Updates
nba-injury-roundup-sheppard-dort-caruso-oubre-hornets
The Indiana Pacers, already thin in the backcourt, will be without guard Ben Sheppard for at least Friday’s home game against the Chicago Bulls. The club said the third-year Belmont product has a strained left calf.
Sheppard, 24, had been one of only four Pacers to appear in every contest this season—and the lone guard with perfect attendance—before the setback. He recently shifted between wing and point-guard duties because of other injuries and delivered 14 points on 5-for-5 shooting, five rebounds, two assists and two steals in 18 minutes during Wednesday’s loss to Denver.
“He’s playing hard, fast and unselfish,” head coach Rick Carlisle said postgame. “Through all the challenges, he’s stayed true to who he is.”
Thunder rule out Dort and Caruso
The Oklahoma City Thunder announced that Luguentz Dort (strained adductor) will miss a second consecutive game when the team visits Dallas on Friday. The 2024/25 First Team All-Defensive wing sat five games earlier this year with a right trapezius strain.
Guard Alex Caruso remains out as well. A quad contusion will sideline him for a third straight matchup.
Oubre’s absence extended in Philadelphia
Kelly Oubre Jr. will be evaluated again in at least one week, the Philadelphia 76ers said. The veteran wing, who turns 30 next week, has missed eight games with a sprained LCL in his left knee and is guaranteed to sit out at least three more.
Hornets issues mount
Collin Sexton exited Wednesday’s contest after suffering a left quadriceps strain. The Charlotte Hornets have ruled the 26-year-old guard out for Friday’s road game in Toronto.
Three other Hornets are questionable against the Raptors: Tre Mann (right knee soreness), Brandon Miller (left shoulder) and rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner (left ankle contusion).
Source: Hoops Rumors
