### Pacers' Jarace Walker to Miss Key Games in NBA Finals Due to Ankle Injury The Indiana Pacers are facing a significant challenge as they prepare for the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Forward Jarace Walker, a crucial depth player for the team, will miss at least the first two games of the series due to a right ankle injury sustained during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks. Coach Rick Carlisle confirmed that Walker was on crutches following the injury, which has been diagnosed as a sprain, and his recovery timeline remains uncertain. This marks a critical moment for the Pacers, who are looking to secure their first championship after previously falling short in 2000. ### Breakdown of the Situation Surrounding Jarace Walker's Injury 1. **Injury Details**: - Walker suffered a right ankle sprain during the fourth quarter of Game 6 against the Knicks, where he collided with Karl-Anthony Towns [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/indiana-pacers/pacers-news-indiana-forward-exits-game-painful-collision-karl-anthony-towns]. - He was seen using crutches post-game, indicating the severity of the injury [https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45414501/pacers-jarace-walker-least-2-games-start-nba-finals]. 2. **Impact on the Team**: - Walker's absence is a blow to the Pacers, who have relied on a deep rotation throughout the playoffs. His role as a reserve forward has been pivotal in their success [https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/pacers-reserve-big-jarace-walker-out-at-least-first-two-games-of-nba-finals-due-to-right-ankle-injury]. - Coach Carlisle noted that while Walker is a depth piece, his contributions will be missed as the team aims for a championship [https://fox59.com/sports/pacers/carlisle-jarace-walker-to-miss-first-2-games-of-nba-finals-with-ankle-injury]. 3. **Future Outlook**: - The NBA Finals are scheduled to stretch over a significant period, which may provide Walker with an opportunity to recover before the series concludes [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pacers_hc_jarace_walker_to_miss_multiple_games_with_ankle_injury/s1_14822_42273536]. - However, Carlisle has not provided a definitive timeline for Walker's return, leaving his availability for later games uncertain [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pacers_to_be_without_one_player_for_multiple_nba_finals_games/s1_16628_42275127]. ### Summary of Key Points Regarding Jarace Walker's Injury - **Injury Context**: Jarace Walker's right ankle injury occurred during a critical playoff game, leading to his absence in the NBA Finals. - **Team Impact**: His role as a depth player is significant, and his absence could affect the Pacers' performance against the Thunder. - **Recovery Timeline**: While there is hope for a potential return later in the series, no guarantees have been made regarding his availability. In conclusion, **the Indiana Pacers will begin the NBA Finals without Jarace Walker, a setback that could influence their chances against the Oklahoma City Thunder**. The team will need to adapt quickly to fill the void left by Walker as they strive for their first championship title. The situation remains fluid, and updates on Walker's recovery will be closely monitored as the series progresses.