Indiana Pacers face severe injuries, sign Mac McClung amid roster shake-up

The Indiana Pacers are facing a significant injury crisis, with eight players listed as out for their upcoming game against the Dallas Mavericks, including Obi Toppin, who will be sidelined for up to a month with a foot injury. Key guards T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, Tyrese Haliburton, and Andrew Nembhard are among those injured, severely depleting the Pacers' backcourt and forcing reliance on less experienced players like Ben Sheppard and newly signed guard Mac McClung. McClung, known for his athleticism and dunk contest titles, recently signed a multiyear non-guaranteed contract with Indiana as the team waived former No. 2 overall pick James Wiseman to clear roster space. Despite the injuries, Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith have carried much of the offensive burden, while the Pacers continue to struggle with depth and consistency. This injury-plagued roster presents a tough challenge as the Pacers play back-to-back games against teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks, who have healthier and more rested lineups. The Pacers' situation underscores their urgent need for healthy contributions from all roster members to stay competitive early in the NBA season.