Indiana Pacers Face Severe Backcourt Injury Crisis with Eight Guards Out

The Indiana Pacers are facing a severe injury crisis early in the 2025-26 NBA season, with eight guards sidelined due to various injuries, including key players Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell. Haliburton is out for the season with a torn Achilles, while McConnell is expected to miss several weeks with a hamstring strain. Other injured guards include Andrew Nembhard, Kam Jones, Quenton Jackson, Johnny Furphy, Bennedict Mathurin, and rookie Taelon Peter, leaving only Ben Sheppard and two-way player RayJ Dennis as the healthy guards available. Coach Rick Carlisle described the situation as unprecedented and highlighted the team's need to rely on untested rookies and bench players. The team recently waived James Wiseman and signed Mac McClung to help fill the depleted backcourt. The Pacers face significant challenges as they navigate a tough road trip with limited depth in their guard rotation.