Rick Carlisle has a hard time admitting Andrew Nembhardt’s injury
The Indiana Pacers absorbed what could be a huge blow after Andrew Nembhardt suffered a shoulder injury in the season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Thursday.
Nembhard withstood it in the first quarter but he continued to play until the second frame. During halftime, it was announced that he had been ruled out for the rest of the game.
The Pacers lost to the Thunder in double overtime141-135, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander exploding for a game-high 55 points.
After the game, the Indiana coach Rick Carlisle it didn’t sound too optimistic with Nembhard status.
“We’ll know more tomorrow. He’s going to get some tests done. But this is going to potentially present some big challenges,” Pacers reporter Scott Agnes quoted Carlyle as saying.
The Pacers are already shorthanded in the backcourt without Tyrese Halliburton and TJ McConnell, who are out with Achilles injuries and hamstring strains.
If Nembhard misses an extended period, Carlisle will have to be more creative with their rotation. Ben Shepard could see an increase in playing time.
The 25-year-old Nembhardt, who defended Gilgeous-Alexander well in the NBA Finals, had four points and four assists before exiting the Finals rematch against the Thunder.
The Pacers were led by Benedict Maturin with 36 points and 11 rebounds, while Pascal Siakam had 32 points, 15 rebounds and four assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander shot 15 of 31 from the field and 23 of 26 from the free throw line. He added eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block as Oklahoma City survived its second straight double-overtime affair.
The Pacers will begin a three-game road trip against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday.
2025-10-24 03:51:00
