With Haliburton and McConnell already sidelined, guard Andrew Nembhard did not return for the second half of their season opener due to a shoulder injury.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard did not return to the court at halftime during their season opener against Oklahoma City. He was ruled out for the second half due to a sore left shoulder.
So down 54-47 to the Thunder at the break, they will have to play the final 24 minutes without their starting point guard.
That is the team's most vulnerable position to begin the 2025-26 season. Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles rehab) is out for the season and T.J. McConnell is recovering from a left hamstring strain suffered in the preseason. Moreover, two-way guard Quenton Jackson is also out with a right hamstring strain.
Third-year guard Ben Sheppard started the second half in place of Nembhard, and rookie Taelon Peter was the first sub off the bench.
So just as the Fever ended the season down four point guards, the Pacers begin a new season without their top three options.
This is the first game of the season for the Pacers, but it's Game No. 2 for the Thunder. As the 2025 champions, Tuesday was ring night and they were featured in the first game of the season — at home against the Houston Rockets. They won, but it took two overtime sessions.
Next up for Indiana will be a road game on Saturday in Memphis.
Scott Agness is the longest-tenured Pacers beat reporter. He enters his 14th season covering the team and he's been around The Fieldhouse since 2003. He runs Fieldhouse Files — covering the Pacers, Boom, and Fever — and hosts "The Fieldhouse Files Podcast."