Indiana Pacers Injury Report: Mathurin Out, McDermott Returns
Pacers to Face Bucks in Game 2 Without Top Rookie
April 23, 2024 | 11:59 AM ET
The Indiana Pacers will be without rookie sensation Bennedict Mathurin in Game 2 of their NBA playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Mathurin suffered a torn right labrum in Game 1 and is expected to miss an extended period of time.
The Pacers will also be missing Doug McDermott, who is still recovering from a right ankle sprain. However, TJ McConnell is expected to return to the lineup after missing Game 1 with a right calf strain.
The Bucks held the Pacers to just 94 points in Game 1, but Indiana was back to its high-scoring ways in Game 2, averaging 123 points per game over the next two contests.
With Mathurin out, the Pacers will need other players to step up in his absence. Malcolm Brogdon, Buddy Hield, and Tyrese Haliburton will be expected to carry the scoring load, while Jalen Smith and Myles Turner will need to provide a strong presence in the paint.
The Bucks will be looking to take advantage of Mathurin's absence and take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been dominant so far in the playoffs, averaging 32.0 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.
Game 2 of the Pacers-Bucks series tips off at 7:00 PM ET on Tuesday night on ESPN.
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