Pacers' Mathurin Injured; Still a Restricted Free Agent

Bennedict Mathurin did not sign a rookie-scale extension before the deadline and will play the 2025–26 season as a restricted free agent. He exited Saturday’s 128–103 loss at Memphis with right foot soreness, was ruled out for the remainder of that game and could be unavailable for Sunday’s game in Minneapolis. Coach Rick Carlisle said Taelon Peter is hobbled by a groin issue and the team may dress only 10 or 11 players, complicating Indiana’s rotation. The Pacers have had a rocky start after All‑NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton suffered an Achilles injury in the Finals and the team dropped its opener. Mathurin, who has averaged 15.9 points per game over three seasons and was the first Pacers rookie named to the first‑team All‑Rookie since 1989, will use this season as a platform to prove his value while his long‑term future remains uncertain.