Pacers’ Struggles Deepen as Obi Toppin Set for Foot Surgery

The Indiana Pacers’ 2025–26 campaign has opened under difficult circumstances, as the defending Eastern Conference champions find themselves winless through four games — and now dealing with a significant injury setback. Forward Obi Toppin, one of the team’s key offseason acquisitions, will undergo surgery to repair a foot injury that is expected to sideline him for an extended period.

Head coach Rick Carlisle confirmed Friday that Toppin will have a screw inserted into his right foot after being diagnosed with a partial stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal. The procedure will require a lengthy recovery, with Carlisle suggesting that updates on Toppin’s status may not come until February.

The injury is a blow to a Pacers roster already searching for rhythm after a sluggish start to the season. Indiana entered the year with high expectations following last season’s surprise Finals run but has struggled to regain that form early.

Toppin missed the team’s most recent game as medical evaluations confirmed the injury. The announcement of impending surgery only deepens the uncertainty surrounding a team that had been counting on his athleticism and versatility to help sustain its competitive edge in the East.

1. Toppin’s Impact and Unfortunate Timing

Toppin’s injury comes at an especially frustrating time, both for the player and the organization. After signing with Indiana during the offseason, the 27-year-old forward was expected to play a larger role in Carlisle’s system, providing energy in transition and additional scoring depth alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. The former New York Knicks lottery pick had been gradually carving out a consistent role in Indiana’s rotation after a strong preseason. His ability to stretch the floor and finish at the rim made him a valuable complement to the team’s high-tempo style of play. Now, with surgery and rehabilitation looming, Toppin’s absence will force the Pacers to reshuffle their frontcourt rotation. Reserve forwards Jarace Walker and Isaiah Jackson are expected to see expanded minutes as the team adapts to life without one of its most athletic contributors. For Toppin personally, the setback halts the momentum he had hoped to build after his move from New York. The extended timeline before a possible return raises questions about how much he’ll be able to contribute this season, especially with Indiana’s playoff hopes hinging on their ability to remain competitive through winter.

2. Carlisle Faces Early Season Challenges

Head coach Rick Carlisle now faces the challenge of stabilizing a team battling both injuries and inconsistency. The Pacers, 0-4 to start the season, have struggled to close out games, with defensive lapses and uneven shooting contributing to their early slide. Losing Toppin adds another obstacle to regaining last season’s championship-caliber form. Carlisle, addressing reporters Friday, tempered expectations regarding Toppin’s recovery. “There’s really no point in asking about his status until at least February 1st,” he said, signaling that the team expects a long-term absence. The coach also emphasized the importance of depth and resilience as the Pacers navigate a difficult stretch of their schedule. Indiana’s struggles extend beyond Toppin’s injury. Several starters have battled minor ailments, and the team’s typically fast-paced offense has yet to find its rhythm. With road games against several top Eastern Conference opponents ahead, the Pacers will need to rely heavily on their bench and leadership from Haliburton to remain afloat. The front office, meanwhile, may explore short-term roster options to bolster the forward position, though any move will likely depend on the length of Toppin’s recovery and the team’s performance in the coming weeks.

3. Looking Ahead Amid Uncertainty

For the Pacers, the early season adversity serves as a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the NBA. Just months removed from their first Finals appearance in decades, Indiana now finds itself seeking stability amid injuries and mounting expectations. Toppin’s absence will test both the team’s depth and its resolve. His athleticism and floor spacing had been central to the Pacers’ plan to maintain offensive balance and transition efficiency. Without him, the team’s forwards will be asked to shoulder greater defensive and scoring responsibilities. Still, there remains cautious optimism within the organization that a full recovery is achievable and that Toppin could rejoin the lineup before the stretch run of the regular season. For now, the focus will be on maintaining competitiveness and regaining cohesion on both ends of the court. Carlisle and his players have been here before — facing adversity early and finding ways to recover — but the loss of Toppin adds urgency to their efforts to stop the skid before it deepens further.