The Indiana Pacers will be without guard Jackson for their season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a hamstring injury. Jackson had been dealing with left leg soreness over the summer but sustained the hamstring injury during a preseason game on October 11. Head coach Rick Carlisle has not provided a specific timeline for Jackson’s recovery, suggesting that he may be out for a while beyond Thursday’s game.
The injury woes don’t stop with Jackson, as the Pacers are also facing significant challenges with other key players unavailable. Tyrese Haliburton is out for the entire season, while T.J. McConnell and Kam Jones will also miss the opener due to their own injuries. This leaves RayJ Dennis as a likely option to step in as the primary backup to starting point guard Andrew Nembhard.
As the team grapples with these injuries, it underscores the resilience and depth required to navigate the early part of the season. Despite the challenging circumstances, there remains a sense of optimism within the organization as they look to rally together in the face of adversity. The Pacers will need to adapt quickly as they aim for a successful start to the season amidst these setbacks.