Pacers' Myles Turner Diagnosed With Slight Fracture In Right Hand

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner has worn a cast on his right hand recently. An NBA insider shared some insight into his injury status.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indiana Pacers will be without starting center Myles Turner in the immediate future. 

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Turner was diagnosed with a slight fracture in his right hand. It was later announced by the Pacers that Turner faces a 'day-to-day' status. 

Pacers center Myles Turner has a slight fracture in his right hand and will be re-evaluated in the coming days, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Turner is the NBA leader in blocked shots (4.2 per game).

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 19, 2021

Turner will join TJ Warren, Caris LeVert, and Jeremy Lamb on the Pacers' injury report as inactive players. When factoring in the inclusion of Victor Oladipo in the recent trade, it will be challenging for Indiana to get by without so many key players. 

So far this season, Turner has appeared in 12 games and averaged 12.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. His top achievement has been his average of 4.2 blocks per game and that leads the NBA. 

The Pacers have benefited from Turner's strong defensive presence to start the season but got their first look without him in their 129-83 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. 

It remains to be seen how long Turner will be sidelined as a result of this injury. The Pacers' defense will surely struggle with him sidelined for however long that may be. 

While Turner remains sidelined, the Pacers will continue to slot Domantas Sabonis at the center position and play with a smaller lineup. Wing players like Justin Holiday and Doug McDermott are expected to continue to receive extra playing time to accommodate those lineups. 

The Pacers take on Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks (6-7) in their next matchup on Wednesday night..