Bennedict Mathurin's thumb has been bothering him 'for weeks,' 'not sure' of return

6 days ago 2

INDIANAPOLIS — Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin doesn’t have a set return date from a right thumb sprain, coach Rick Carlisle said on Tuesday.

Mathurin first popped up on the injury report with the thumb sprain on Jan. 3, missing Indiana’s game against Orlando, but Carlisle said the injury dated back further than that.

“It’s been bothering him,” Carlisle said ahead of the Pacers’ game against the Cavaliers on Tuesday. “I don’t remember exactly when he did it, but it’s been a while. It’s been weeks. So, you know, you keep getting hit, it’s on your shooting hand, and it just becomes more than a nuisance. So how long will he be out, not sure.”

Mathurin’s thumb discomfort over the past few weeks could explain his recent shooting slump, too. He shot 36.9% from the field over the Pacers’ 11-game losing streak, averaging 13.5 points per game during that time. His season average has been 17.8 points.

This is Mathurin’s second stint on the injury list this year — he missed 11 games near the beginning of the season with a right toe sprain.

Mathurin’s absence only further depletes the Pacers’ guard depth: Tyrese Haliburton remains out for the season with an Achilles tear, and Obi Toppin is out until at least February with a right foot stress fracture. Center Isaiah Jackson also remains out with a concussion.

Johnny Furphy took Mathurin’s spot in the starting lineup on Sunday in Orlando, scoring two points on 1-of-4 shooting in the Pacers’ 12th straight loss.

Chloe Peterson is the Indiana Fever beat reporter for IndyStar. Reach her at capeterson@gannett.com or follow her on X at @chloepeterson67.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Rick Carlisle 'not sure' of return date for Bennedict Mathurin

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