TITLE: Pacers’ Skid Hits Eight as Mathurin Returns; Embiid Doubtful, George Sits, Ivey Heads to G League, Risacher Nursing Hip
SLUG: pacers-skid-embiid-doubtful-george-out-ivey-g-league-risacher-injury
CONTENT:
The Indiana Pacers dropped their eighth straight game Monday night, falling to the surging Detroit Pistons, but swingman Bennedict Mathurin offered a bright spot in his first appearance since a toe sprain sidelined him for 11 contests. The second-year guard poured in 25 points—23 after halftime—while stressing that the 1-13 Pacers remain capable of a turnaround.
“There are teams in this league that win 10 in a row. Why can’t we be that team?” Mathurin said, noting the club has played only 14 games—“not even 15 percent of the season.”
Center Isaiah Jackson echoed the optimism, saying, “Energy is everything. One guy gets going and it can give us a spark.”
Eastern Conference injury notes
76ers: Joel Embiid is listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s matchup with Toronto as the team manages his right knee. The All-Star center has been out since Nov. 8.
Paul George: The veteran forward, who logged 21 minutes and posted nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks in his season debut Monday, will sit out Philadelphia’s next game for what the club calls left-knee injury recovery.
Pistons: Guard Jaden Ivey was assigned to the Motor City Cruise for conditioning work. The restricted-free-agent-to-be has not played since knee surgery during training camp and last appeared in an NBA game on Jan. 1, when he fractured his left fibula.
Hawks: Second-year forward Zaccharie Risacher missed Tuesday’s contest against Detroit with a left hip contusion sustained on a hard fall while attempting a dunk Sunday versus Phoenix. The team expects him back soon.
The Pacers will try to halt their slide Wednesday when they host the New York Knicks.
Source: Hoops Rumors
