The Indiana Pacers will be without second-year guard Bennedict Mathurin for an undetermined stretch as he recovers from a sprained right thumb and turf toe, head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed before Sunday’s game.
“When we’re down numbers, it becomes more challenging,” Carlisle said. “We’ve gotten some guys back. But now Mathurin’s out for a while.”
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Mathurin attempted to play through the thumb issue for several weeks before the organization opted for rest and treatment. The 21-year-old is averaging a career-best 17.8 points per game, but his production has dropped to 13.5 points on lower efficiency over his last 11 appearances, dating back to mid-December. The club has not released a timetable for his return.
Potter moved quickly into starting role
With Mathurin out and frontcourt depth thin, Indiana has turned to Micah Potter, who signed recently and advanced to the starting center spot within days. Potter said a stint with Team USA helped him realize he could contribute at the NBA level.
“It gave me the feeling that I belong,” the 25-year-old big man told the Indianapolis Star. “I’m not going to be Kevin Durant or LeBron James. But I can help those guys.”
Potter recorded 16 points against San Antonio on Friday, then followed with 11 points and 10 rebounds in Sunday’s matchup with Orlando, offering a steady presence as the Pacers patch together their rotation.
Source: Hoops Wire
