IND • Forward • #5
At the earliest, Walker could return for Game 3 on June 11. Though Walker has had some solid minutes, he hasn’t played a significant role for the Pacers in the playoffs to this point. Obi Toppin will continue to fill out the majority of the backup power forward minutes.
13 days ago
June 2, 2025 8:18 PM
IND • Forward • #5
about 7 hours ago
Injured during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Walker has not appeared in a game since. According to Carlisle, the second-year forward is no longer using crutches but is still walking with a slight limp. Due to Indiana’s depth, Walker’s absence has not significantly impacted the team’s approach to this series. Obi Toppin was already the primary backup to Pascal Siakam, so his role remains unchanged.
Source: Dan Devine
IND • Center-Forward • #33
2 days ago
While the illness that limited Turner during Thursday’s practice did not land him on the pregame injury report, it’s fair to wonder if the center was still feeling the effects. He missed all six of his three-point attempts in Game 4 and also did not record any steals or blocked shots. By comparison, Turner blocked five shots in Indiana’s Game 3 victory on Wednesday. The Pacers don’t need Turner to be a superstar, but they do need him to be more impactful than he was on Friday. He’ll look to rebound in Game 5 on Monday.
IND • Forward • #1
2 days ago
Sandwiched around subpar offensive performances in Games 2 and 3, Toppin was effective in Games 1 and 4. Friday was the second time this series he’s scored 17 points, and the high-flying forward recorded a complete stat line. The lone negative for Toppin was his foul shooting, as he was just 1-of-4 from the stripe. Add in some key missed free throws from Bennedict Mathurin and Oklahoma City’s superior play in crunch time, and the Pacers likely feel that they let Game 4 get away. Toppin and the Pacers will look to bounce back when they visit Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Monday.
HOU • Forward • #10
about 10 hours ago
Smith and the Rockets’ season ended disappointingly, as the Warriors bounced them from the first round of the playoffs in seven games. The 2022 lottery pick would eventually be moved to the bench late in the regular season, lowering his playing time. Whether it’s as a starter or as a reserve, Smith is working to improve his ability to make plays off the dribble. In addition to the stated desire to improve, he’s worth watching this offseason due to the recent Kevin Durant trade rumors. While Houston was adamant that it wanted to keep its young core together during the season, that may change this summer. And Smith’s name has been mentioned as one the Suns would likely be focused on if they were to make a deal with the Rockets.
Source: Ari Alexander
PHX • Forward • #35
about 24 hours ago
Based on the most recent reports on the Durant saga, his next stop will be either Florida or Texas if he has his way. While Houston has long been a rumored destination for the 15-time All-Star, the front office took the approach of seeing what its current young core could offer. The Rockets were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round, but earning the two-seed in the West was a sign of significant progress being made. As for the Spurs, they’ve missed the postseason in phenom Victor Wembanyama’s two seasons in San Antonio, but there’s the expectation that he’s capable of being the face of the NBA in the future. Add in De’Aaron Fox, and there are some intriguing talents for Durant to connect with there. However, with the Suns not dealing with a trade deadline, Durant’s preference does not mean the franchise will pass on a move that would provide greater value. Miami was swept out of the playoffs by Cleveland, months after trading Jimmy Butler to the Warriors. Adding Durant would give the Heat a much-needed marquee scorer.
Source: The Athletic
PHX • Forward • #35
about 24 hours ago
Based on the most recent reports on the Durant saga, his next stop will be either Florida or Texas, if he has his way. While Houston has long been a rumored destination for the 15-time All-Star, the front office most recently took the approach of seeing what its current young core could offer. The Rockets were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round, but earning the two-seed in the West was a sign of significant progress being made. As for the Spurs, they’ve missed the postseason in phenom Victor Wembanyama’s two seasons in San Antonio, but there’s the expectation that he’s capable of being the face of the NBA in the future. Add in De’Aaron Fox, and there are some intriguing talents for Durant to connect with there. However, with the Suns not dealing with a trade deadline, Durant’s preference does not mean the franchise will pass on a move that would provide greater value. Miami was swept out of the playoffs by Cleveland, months after trading Jimmy Butler to the Warriors. Adding Durant would give the Heat a much-needed marquee scorer.
Source: The Athletic
