- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
Indiana Pacers shooting guard Ben Sheppard will miss time with a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury sustained during Wednesday's win over New Orleans. The club announced the diagnosis via Twitter.
Coach Rick Carlisle discussed the matter before Friday's home opener against Dallas. Carlisle indicated Sheppard would be out "a little bit" and declined to set a firm recovery schedule, though he floated a tentative estimate of several weeks.
Sheppard, selected 26th overall in the 2023 draft, logged 65 appearances last season with averages of 7.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists across 21.4 minutes nightly. His shooting marks stood at .434 from the field, .362 from three-point range and .765 at the free-throw line. The sophomore also contributed to Indiana's 2024 Eastern Conference finals run and 2025 NBA Finals berth. In 38 postseason outings, he has produced 4.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 16.5 minutes per game, with splits of .451/.386/.846.
The deadline for a rookie scale extension passed October 19 without a deal. Sheppard carries a 2024-25 salary near $5 million and faces restricted free agency next offseason if Indiana extends a qualifying offer.
Aaron Nesmith returned Friday after sitting Wednesday with a hamstring but came off the bench, with Jarace Walker drawing the start.
Source: Hoops Rumors - Fri Oct 23, 7:20 PM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).