Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Pacers center Isaiah Jackson will undergo surgery on Monday after tearing his right Achilles tendon.
Jackson was carried off the court during the fourth quarter of Friday’s game against New Orleans after collapsing with a non-contact injury to his right calf.
Indiana is already dealing with the absence of backup center James Wiseman, who tore his left Achilles on opening night and had surgery last week. His recovery timeline is still being determined.
With both Jackson and Wiseman sidelined, Obi Toppin and rookie Enrique Freeman are expected to see more minutes backing up starting center Myles Turner.
The Pacers have an open roster spot for a potential addition but must consider luxury tax implications. Wiseman’s contract has a $500K guarantee that could increase to $2.2M due to his injury.
Jackson, in his fourth season with Indiana after being acquired in a 2021 draft-night trade, appeared in five of the team’s first six games this season, averaging 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and shooting 60.9% from the field in 16.8 minutes per game.
The 22-year-old will be a restricted free agent next summer if the Pacers extend a qualifying offer.