Pacers' Obi Toppin Suffers Left Ankle Sprain Against Thunder

The forward briefly returned to the game but has been ruled out for Indiana's upcoming matchup against the Celtics.

Obi Toppin sprained his left ankle in the first quarter of the Pacers' game against the Thunder on Thursday night after slipping during a jump shot attempt.
He initially left the court in visible pain and was helped to the locker room but returned to play briefly in the second quarter before being ruled out for the rest of the game.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed after the game that Toppin is not expected to play in Friday's road game against the Celtics.
Toppin has been a key bench player for Indiana this season, averaging 10.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, with improved numbers in December.
Indiana will rely on players like Jarace Walker and Thomas Bryant to fill Toppin's role, with additional adjustments likely needed in the rotation.