Obi Toppin was moved from day-to-day to out for Monday's game against the Hawks, a coach's decision. He will dress but play only in an emergency, and the report lists Nov. 4 as his expected return.
What happened
The Pacers changed Obi Toppin's status to out on Monday at 6:23 PM ET. He had been day-to-day. The injury report lists the reason as a coach's decision, with the detail marked other. Tony East of Forbes.com reports that Toppin, who has been dealing with a back issue, will dress for the game against the Hawks but will play only in an emergency. The report gives an expected return date of Nov. 4. His status has moved back and forth since Oct. 30, between out and day-to-day for back and torso, after he was cleared from day-to-day on Oct. 28.
What it means for the Pacers
Indiana plays the Hawks at 7:30 PM ET on Monday. The Pacers are 2-5, 12th in the standings, and have lost four straight. Toppin has played five games and averages 22.9 minutes, 15.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists. The Pacers are 2-3 with him and 0-2 without him. The report also lists Ben Sheppard, Larry Nance Jr., Aaron Nesmith, Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, Ivica Zubac, Johnny Furphy and T.J. McConnell as out. Of the other rotation players who have logged minutes without Toppin, Kelly Oubre Jr., Jarace Walker and Quenton Jackson are not on the report. Who absorbs his minutes has not been announced.
What to watch
Watch the next injury report for any change to his status. The report lists Nov. 4 as his expected return, and nothing beyond that date has been announced. Toppin's status has shifted several times in recent days, so the date is not firm. The Pacers have lost four in a row, and the Hawks game on Monday is the next test. Whether Toppin has to play in an emergency will show up in the box score.
Is Obi Toppin playing vs the Hawks?
No. Toppin is listed out for Monday's game against the Hawks, a coach's decision. He will dress but will play only in an emergency, according to Tony East of Forbes.com.
When will Obi Toppin be back?
The injury report lists an expected return of Nov. 4. The Pacers have not announced anything beyond that date.