The Indiana Pacers–much like the Boston Celtics–are starting to look like the walking wounded.
Combo guard Victor Oladipo is considered day-to-day due to swelling in his knee, and both Doug McDermott and T.J. Warren are also battling injuries.
The Pacers will likely be without point guard Malcolm Brogdon for Friday night's game against the Chicago Bulls. Brogdon will get an MRI on an apparent hip injury, per J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star:
Brogdon (hip) is doubtful for #PacersBulls and getting an MRI. also McDermott (toe), Warren (left leg laceration/stitches) and Sampson (hip) are questionable
— J. Michael (@ThisIsJMichael) March 5, 2020
Brogdon left Thursday night's game against the Milwaukee Bucks, and he did not return. This is yet another setback for the former Rookie of the Year, who has dealt with a number of maladies and back problems throughout the season.
The Pacers brought Brogdon–a restricted free agent–to Indianapolis as part of a sign-and-trade with the Bucks this past summer. It was expected the former Virginia star would become the team's foremost playmaker as they waited for Oladipo to return from a ruptured quad tendon.
Brogdon got off to an incredibly hot start in the first two months. Although his three-point shooting left something to be desired, Brogdon showed an ability to finish over bigger defenders at the rim while also setting up his teammates for easy looks.
But the injuries have started to add up. Brogdon has already missed 14 games this season, and the Pacers miss his presence in the backcourt.
Indiana are in a tough spot. They are currently tied for fifth place in the Eastern Conference alongside the Philadelphia 76ers, and they are also just three games back of the Miami Heat for the No. 4 seed.
The Pacers need to string together some wins in order to climb up the ladder. But they also need to ensure they will be healthy come playoff time.
In any case, the team will await the results of Brogdon's MRI.
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