Pacers forward Obi Toppin was downgraded from day-to-day to out with a back and torso issue on Sunday afternoon. The Pacers face the Nets at 5:00 PM ET without a forward who has averaged 15.2 points.
What happened
The Pacers' injury report listed Toppin as out at 3:43 PM ET on Sunday, Nov. 1. The injury is described as back and torso. He had been day-to-day. The report's own comment still reads that Toppin is questionable for Sunday's game against the Nets, which does not match the out status. The report gives an expected return date of Nov. 2. This is the latest turn in a week of changes. He was cleared on Wednesday, Oct. 28, then listed day-to-day with a left hand and arm issue. He went to out on Friday, Oct. 30, was back to day-to-day on Saturday, and is now out again.
What it means for the Pacers
Indiana plays the Nets on Sunday at 5:00 PM ET. The Pacers are 2-4, in 11th place, and have lost three straight. Toppin gives them 15.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 22.9 minutes over five games this season. The Pacers are 2-3 with him and 0-1 without him. In the one game he missed, the minutes went to Pascal Siakam (31.6), Kelly Oubre Jr. (23.7), Jarace Walker (22.1), Aaron Nesmith (21.6) and Quenton Jackson (19.3). Ivica Zubac and Tyrese Haliburton are also out. So are Ben Sheppard, Johnny Furphy and T.J. McConnell.
What to watch
The next injury report will show whether Toppin's status changes ahead of Monday. The report lists an expected return date of Nov. 2, but the Pacers have not announced that he will play that day. They have not announced a timeline beyond it. The Pacers are trying to end a three-game losing streak against the Nets. The injury list is long, so each new report matters for the rotation. Zubac's and Haliburton's statuses are the other two to track.
Is Obi Toppin playing vs the Nets?
No. The Pacers' injury report lists Toppin as out for Sunday's 5:00 PM ET game with a back and torso issue. The report's comment still calls him questionable, but the listed status is out.
When will Obi Toppin be back?
The injury report gives an expected return date of Nov. 2. The Pacers have not announced a firm timeline beyond that.