The Indiana Pacers are clearly charting a strategic course for the rest of the season, focusing on developing their young talent while keeping an eye on securing a favorable lottery pick in May. This approach, however, means we’re seeing more frequent updates on player injuries, particularly concerning Pascal Siakam.
Currently, the Pacers find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a 15-43 record, just trailing the Brooklyn Nets, who sit at 15-41. Only the Sacramento Kings have a worse record at 12-46.
As they prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night, Siakam is listed as “doubtful” due to a left wrist sprain. This marks the first mention of this specific injury in recent weeks, as Siakam’s availability has been fluctuating between active and inactive status for the team.
Siakam missed the first game after the All-Star break for personal reasons, which was later followed by a left hamstring injury management. Yet, he made a strong return against the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 30 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out three assists in 29 minutes, despite the Pacers falling 134-130.
The Pacers are incentivized to lose more games to retain their draft pick, which they traded to the LA Clippers with specific protections. If the pick lands between 5-9, it will go to the Clippers, making every game crucial in this highly anticipated draft year.
This draft pick was part of the deal that brought Ivica Zubac to Indiana, with the Pacers sending Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, and two first-round picks to the Clippers in exchange for the All-Defensive center.
In his 52 games this season, Siakam has been a standout performer, averaging 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 48.3% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc. His selection to a fourth NBA All-Star team underscores his exceptional play, even as the Pacers struggle in the standings.