Despite missing Tyrese Haliburton entirely, losing Myles Turner in free agency and losing Andrew Nembhard to a shoulder injury after just 17 minutes of his first game, the Indiana Pacers forced the Oklahoma City Thunder into a double-overtime dog fight on Thursday.
OKC eventually won, 141-135, but Indiana showed more than enough to suggest it’ll be in the mix, at the very least, for a play-in spot during this already injury-ravaged campaign.
Bennedict Mathurin, who had a forceful 36 points and went 15-of-17 from the line, looks ready to assume more offensive responsibility. Pascal Siakam, who added 32 on Thursday, could push for a fourth All-Star appearance with Haliburton out for the year. And Rick Carlisle, regardless of who’s available, is going to find ways to make his team productive.
