Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon has been listed as “doubtful” to play in Thursday's game against the Denver Nuggets due to lower back soreness, according to the latest injury report.

Brogdon has had back issues all season. He missed a game for a similar issue in November and exited Tuesday's game against the Sixers with more soreness and discomfort. The former NBA Rookie of the Year had just returned from a three-game absence due to a left hamstring injury.

This would be a tough setback for the Pacers if Brogdon had to go on the shelf with a prolonged absence. Unfortunately, lingering back issues tend to flare up without proper rest and treatment, so the Pacers might not have any other choice but to sit Brogdon at least for a few games.

Indiana offered a big contract to Brogdon–a restricted free agent–almost immediately after the Milwaukee Bucks signed Khris Middleton to a big extension this past summer, and the decision has paid serious dividends.

The 27-year-old has developed into a marquee player for the Pacers with Victor Oladipo still recovering from a ruptured quad tendon. Brogdon is averaging 17.4 points, 7.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds through his first 27 games, providing a major lift in the backcourt.

Brogdon's strong play–in addition to a tremendous offensive frontcourt led by Domantas Sabonis and T.J. Warren–has helped to cement the Pacers as one of the scarier teams in the Eastern Conference. However, they will have to proceed with caution after Brogdon experienced another setback on Tuesday.

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