The Indiana Pacers have had the worst possible season so far. Injuries have derailed their start, as they have the worst record in the NBA. Since the season started, three starters have gotten hurt. That also doesn’t include Tyrese Haliburton, who is out for the year.
Bennedict Mathurin is one of those starters who has been hurt. With Haliburton out, he slid into the starting lineup. Mathurin has only played in two games this season. He has been out for the last three weeks with a big toe sprain.
Mathurin is finally set to return to the lineup against the Pistons, which will be a matchup of the team with the best record in the East against the team with the worst record.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 13: Bennedict Mathurin #00 of the Indiana Pacers reacts in the third quarter of the preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on October 13, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Indiana Pacers Guard Bennedict Mathurin Returns
According to the team, Mathurin is officially available. It’s unclear how many minutes he will play in this game, but the Pacers desperately need his scoring. They score the second-fewest points in the league. Mathurin is a score-first player, so his addition is much-needed.
Adding Mathruin back to the lineup likely won’t get Indiana back in the playoff hunt this season. They have dug too deep a hole to get out of because of the myriad of injuries they have suffered. Mathurin is still fighting for a contract extension, however.
The Pacers opted not to give him a rookie extension before the deadline. Mathurin is auditioning for all 30 teams in the league to give him a new deal, meaning he’s going to be motivated for the remaining games this season to play his best.
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 23: Bennedict Mathurin #00 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball while defended by Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on October 23, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Bennedict Mathurin Gives the Pacers What They Are Missing
Indiana desperately needs players who can create shots off the dribble. Mathurin excels at that, and he’s one of the few guys who can draw fouls. Having him back in the lineup gives the Pacers a better chance at generating easy points at the foul line.
The Pacers have the worst offensive rating in the league, mainly because they are the worst shooting team in the league. They barely shoot over 40 percent from the field, which is the exact opposite of how they made the NBA Finals a year ago.
Mathurin is a high-volume shooter when needed, and that is much-needed right now. Rick Carlisle will be cautious with his minutes since he hasn’t played in three weeks. Conditioning will be a factor in deciding how long he plays in his first game.
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