Pacers injury update: Latest on Kam Jones, Ben Sheppard for preseason opener

Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle announced that rookie guard Kam Jones will miss most of the preseason due to a back injury, and third-year wing Ben Sheppard will be absent from the preseason opener against the Timberwolves due to an undisclosed injury. Jones is expected to be out for at least two to three weeks, as he has not been a full participant in preseason camp, while Sheppard is hoped to return for practice and potentially play in a later preseason game.

Kam Jones, a left-handed combo guard drafted 38th overall, averaged 19.2 points and 5.9 assists per game at Marquette last season and was acquired to provide depth at point guard following Tyrese Haliburton's season-ending Achilles injury. His absence means the Pacers will not have him available until the regular season begins. Meanwhile, Ben Sheppard, who averaged 5.3 points per game off the bench last year, is considered reliable on both ends of the floor, and the team is optimistic about his recovery timeline.

In response to these injuries, other players are expected to see increased playing time. Second-year wing Johnny Furphy and Jarace Walker may join the second unit, while veteran guard Delon Wright and two-way contract players Quenton Jackson and Taelon Peter could fill the minutes vacated by Jones. Additionally, point guard RayJ Dennis, who has been injured, will be available for the preseason games, though Carlisle did not confirm if any veterans would be rested.

Carlisle expressed enthusiasm for the preseason schedule, noting that the Pacers will face strong opponents, including the Timberwolves and Thunder, who were Western Conference finalists last season, and the Spurs, who were impacted by Victor Wembanyama's absence. He emphasized the importance of hard, efficient play and viewed these games as a valuable opportunity for the team to compete against top-tier competition.