### 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. 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 1. **Injury Details**: - Jarace Walker suffered a right ankle sprain during Game 6 against the New York Knicks. - The injury occurred while defending against Karl-Anthony Towns, leading to a nasty roll of the ankle [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]. 2. **Impact on Team**: - Walker's absence is a blow to the Pacers, who rely on a deep rotation in the playoffs. - Although he is considered a reserve player, his contributions are valuable, especially in a high-stakes series like the Finals [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pacers_to_be_without_one_player_for_multiple_nba_finals_games/s1_16628_42275127]. 3. **Coach's Comments**: - Coach Rick Carlisle expressed uncertainty about Walker's recovery, stating, "He's going to be out for a while... I don't know how long" [https://fox59.com/sports/pacers/carlisle-jarace-walker-to-miss-first-2-games-of-nba-finals-with-ankle-injury]. - Carlisle noted that the Finals are spread out over a significant period, which could provide Walker with a chance 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]. 4. **Upcoming Games**: - The Pacers are set to face the Thunder in Game 1 on June 6, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. ET. - This is only the second time in franchise history that the Pacers have reached the NBA Finals, making Walker's injury even more impactful [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/pacers_f_jarace_walker_injures_ankle_availability_uncertain_for_nba_finals/s1_17045_42269442]. ### Summary of Findings **Key Conclusions**: 1. **Jarace Walker's Injury**: Walker will miss at least the first two games of the NBA Finals due to a right ankle sprain sustained in the Eastern Conference Finals. 2. **Team Impact**: His absence is significant for the Pacers, who depend on a deep rotation, especially in high-pressure situations. 3. **Coach's Outlook**: Rick Carlisle remains uncertain about the duration of Walker's recovery but acknowledges the potential for a longer series to aid in his healing. 4. **Finals Context**: The Pacers are aiming for their first championship, making Walker's injury a critical concern as they face the Thunder. The Pacers will need to adapt quickly to this setback as they aim to capitalize on their historic opportunity in the NBA Finals. [https://apnews.com/article/nba-finals-pacers-walker-thunder-cff9d5855136a92940691238ccd8e6d9]