Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Andrew Nembhard Injury Update: What Happened to the Pacers’ Guard, and When Will He Return?

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Indiana Pacers’ point guard depth took another hit on Thursday night. Andrew Nembhard was ruled out for the second half of the regular-season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder after experiencing left shoulder soreness.

The 25-year-old guard had started the game but struggled offensively, finishing with 4 points on 0-of-5 shooting in 17 minutes. He did manage to contribute four assists and a rebound, but his absence left Indiana scrambling once again at the position.

The setback comes at a difficult time for the Pacers, who are already without Tyrese Haliburton for the season following his torn Achilles in last year’s playoffs. Veteran T.J. McConnell remains sidelined with a hamstring strain, while Kam Jones and Quenton Jackson are also dealing with minor injuries.

Status alert: Andrew Nembhard (shoulder) won't return Thursday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) October 24, 2025

Ben Sheppard, who missed much of the preseason, was pressed into duty to start the second half in Nembhard’s place. Rookie Taelon Peter also saw minutes as Indiana continues to patch together its backcourt rotation.

Thunder Outlast Pacers in Overtime Battle

Despite the adversity, the Indiana Pacers pushed Oklahoma City to the limit before falling 141-135 in overtime. The Pacers leaned heavily on Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin to carry the scoring load. Siakam posted 32 points and 15 rebounds, while Mathurin added 36 points and 11 boards, attacking the rim and keeping Indiana competitive throughout. Obi Toppin chipped in 20 points, though his 0-of-8 shooting from three hurt the team’s spacing.

For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a career night with 55 points, including 23-of-26 from the free-throw line. His relentless drives and ability to draw fouls proved decisive. Aaron Wiggins provided valuable support with 23 points and nine rebounds, hitting five threes to stretch Indiana’s defense.

The Pacers actually held a rebounding edge, 60-55, but the difference came at the stripe. Oklahoma City converted 45-of-51 free throws (88.2%), while Indiana managed 30-of-40 (75%). That 15-point gap at the line was too much to overcome in a game decided by six points.

Indiana’s guard injuries remain the central story, with the uncertainty around Andrew Nembhard moving forward. His absence, combined with Haliburton’s season-ending injury and McConnell’s ongoing recovery, leaves the Pacers dangerously thin at point guard.