After Wednesday’s meniscus repair, Pacers wing Ben Sheppard is now projected to miss months, not weeks. Will his season survive the setback?
There are two meniscus procedures: a quick meniscectomy or a full repair. Carlisle had hinted at a short layoff, suggesting the former, but East reports Sheppard required the latter, extending his recovery.
At 25, Sheppard’s contract year just got tougher. In my view, the Pacers may hesitate to tender the $8 million qualifying offer if he’s sidelined for most of the year.
Here are the latest NBA injury reports.
- The Lakers have sidelined starters Luka Doncic (back tightness) and Ziaire Williams (left foot soreness) for Wednesday’s back‑to‑back opener. Coach JJ Redick called the move cautious, and the club hopes both will return Friday in Golden State.
- Clippers’ Max Strus (right plantar fascia), Brandon Ingram (right heel) and Yanic Konan Niederhauser (right foot) stay in L.A. for rehab, missing the Minnesota and Golden State trips. Forward Rui Hachimura, nursing a left quad strain, joins the road squad, hinting at a possible return. Can the Clippers stay competitive without these pieces?