Injury Updates, Mac McClung, and Prediction Competition Extra Credit

The Pacers got a few days off after a jam-packed start to the season and they've made the most of it. They've sent players to the doctor's office, made roster moves, and even snuck in some practice time.

The first order of business was getting an update on the ever-growing list of injured Pacers. The most recent additions are Benn Mathurin and Obi Toppin, who Carlisle diagnosed as week-to-week and out at least a month, respectively.

He also said that Taleon Peter, Johnny Furphy and Andrew Nembhard are working out to various degrees but not cleared to play.

The rotten luck with health has made the team eligible for a hardship exception, so expect them to add another body out of the G-League before long.

Speaking of bodies out of the G-League, the team waived James Wiseman and signed Mac McClung yesterday. It's sad that Wiseman never caught on, but with four centers on the roster and no available guards, one of them had to go. Despite starting a game, Wiseman was the least productive of the bigs and this is an unforgiving business. Hopefully he gets another shot and crushes it.

Mac McClung, likewise, is hoping he crushes the shot that just presented itself. After entering the league in 2021, this is his first regular NBA contract. Despite that, he's not totally unaccomplished. McClung is a three-time Dunk Contest Champion, the '21-'22 G-League Rookie of the Year, and the '23-'24 G-League Most Valuable Player.

He's fast, athletic, and hungry, so don't be surprised if he hits the ground running on the Pacers. I recommend watching the interview below. He comes off as a down to earth person who knows how big of an opportunity this is if he's going to accomplish his dream of being an NBA player. Good locker room addition, if nothing else.

Season Prediction Competition Bonus Question

We've got the first opportunity to pick up extra points in the prediction competition. We're putting it up early and we'll keep putting it up through the Bucks game thread so that everyone has ample opportunity to respond.

Good luck!