The Indiana Pacers entered Sunday’s clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves deeply undermanned. Yet early on, reserve forward Obi Toppin delivered a jolt of energy- coming off the bench to log 9 points and grab 6 rebounds in just 16:33. His quick burst looked like it might kick-start the rotation in the absence of key starters.

But the spark faded when Toppin exited late in the third quarter with soreness in his right leg, a hamstring issue now under further review.

Compounding things: star guard Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season after his Achilles-tendon rupture, and the team is also missing guards Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and T.J. McConnell for varying durations.

Put simply: six of the Pacers’ top eight contributors from last season are unavailable, forcing coach Rick Carlisle into radical adjustments. The implications are severe- not just on court cohesion and bench depth, but on the team’s ability to execute the sophisticated two-guard sets and spacing that powered their recent success.

The Pacers were hoping Toppin could shoulder more responsibility this year, taking on expanded minutes and filling holes left by Haliburton and others. His early-season performance hinted at the potential for this new role.

Now, with his absence, the Indiana Pacers must quickly pivot. Especially after a loss to the Wolves as close as 110-114.

In his first two games, Toppin averaged 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. That kind of production off the bench was invaluable. The Timberwolves, who forced this exit with aggressive play, with Anthony Edwards sidelined too, may not have intended to remove him from the court, but the Pacers will need creative adjustments more than ever now.

Without Toppin, minutes and responsibilities shift immediately. Jarace Walker, Tony Bradley, and Isaiah Jackson are likely to see expanded roles, but none can replicate Toppin’s combination of athleticism and floor-spacing ability. McConnell’s absence at point guard has already put pressure on secondary ball handlers to manage the offense.

Now with Toppin out, the offense could stagnate, and the Pacers’ transition game, a key feature last season, may take a hit. Despite these challenges, Toppin’s track record suggests flexibility.

What Obi Toppin’s absence could mean for the Pacers

He’s played all 82 games in his first season with the Pacers and 79 in the following year and has consistently shown the ability to push through physical strain. Toppin set a career-high with 110 made threes last season, highlighting his dual-threat capability.

Even T.J. McConnell has said, “I just tell him [Toppin] in the open floor there’s not many guys in the NBA that can challenge him… He’s a special player.” The Pacers’ early-season injury crisis, now including Toppin, forces a rethink in strategy. Will they emphasize small-ball lineups?

Can other reserves step up offensively while maintaining defensive integrity? All are pressing questions as Indiana seeks stability in the wake of a spate of absences.

Indiana’s players have demonstrated resilience, but the loss of Toppin’s offensive versatility and defensive energy could disrupt their momentum. Fans who witnessed Toppin’s electrifying performances at Gainbridge Fieldhouse last season understand just how infectious his energy can be.

Obi Toppin heavily relies on his athleticism, and nursing a hamstring injury would not only hinder his physical performance but also present a significant mental challenge, as hamstring injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from and can affect a player’s confidence and mindset.

So much so, Tyrese Haliburton even said, “Obi’s been so, so big for us the past two years… He continues to bring pace into the game, flying up the floor and when you’re hitting him ahead, those are huge energy plays for this building.”

The team now has to find ways to compensate, keeping morale high while relying on younger or less-proven players to fill gaps. 

As for Toppin, his durability and past commitment suggest this may be a temporary roadblock rather than a season-altering event. The Pacers will hope for a quick recovery to get their versatile forward back into the mix and maintain the momentum necessary for a competitive season.

Sunday’s injury is a warning, but it also sets the stage for strength and depth testing in Indiana’s early season.