According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin will miss the rest of the season due to a right shoulder injury. The team put out an official statement on Saturday:
The Indiana Pacers announced on Saturday that guard Bennedict Mathurin has been diagnosed with a torn labrum in his right shoulder, an injury which will require surgery. The procedure will be performed by renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles next week.
Mathurin will miss the remainder of the 2023-24 season and is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Any additional updates on Mathurin’s status will be provided as appropriate.
In Mathurin’s last game against the Dallas Mavericks, he put up 19 points in 25 minutes of play.
ESPN Sources: Indiana Pacers G Bennedict Mathurin will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Mathurin — the 2024 Rising Stars MVP — averages 14.5 points. He’s expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2024-2025 season. pic.twitter.com/DDv4TQiCO4
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 9, 2024
Indiana Pacers Lose Rising Star for Rest of Season
Bennedict Mathurin’s Season
On the season, Mathurin played in 59 games while starting 19 of them. In those games, the second-year wing averaged 14.5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Furthermore, Mathurin shot 44.6% from the field and 37.4% from the three-point line. After the team traded Buddy Hield to the Philadelphia 76ers, Mathurin assumed a larger role and has looked good up to this point.
Mathurin played in the 2024 NBA Rising Stars Challenge and took home the MVP award. In the tournament, he put up 22 points for Jalen Rose‘s team. Additionally, Mathurin took part in the NBA Skills Challenge at All-Star Weekend and won as a part of Team Pacers with teammates Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner.
How Bennedict Mathurin’s Injury Impacts the Pacers
Currently, the Pacers have a 35-29 record and own the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, they are 3.5 games back from the No. 4 seed and are 5.5 games ahead of the No. 10 seed. Although at least a Play-In spot is practically guaranteed for the Pacers, they are a team talented enough to be in the upper part of the standings. And with the in-season trade for Pascal Siakam, the Pacers are evidently looking to contend right now. Losing Mathurin with just 18 games left is a big blow to the team. Mathurin is a very solid wing who provides depth and good two-way basketball.
What’s Next for Indiana?
Mathurin is not the only wing missing for the Pacers. Veteran Doug McDermott has not been on the court since suffering a calf injury against the Toronto Raptors on February 26. For now, McDermott is on a day-to-day basis, but he will likely see an increased role upon his return. Furthermore, the Pacers will likely rely more on Ben Sheppard, Obi Toppin, and Jarace Walker in the meantime.
Though the loss of Mathurin will sting for the Pacers, not all is lost. They are still a very solid and young team. Led by Haliburton and Siakam, the Pacers are still a sneaky pick to make some noise in the NBA Playoffs.
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