The Indiana Pacers will begin the NBA Finals without their rookie sensation, Walker, who sustained a significant injury during Game 6 against the New York Knicks. The injury happened in the first few minutes of the fourth quarter while Walker was shading a drive. His right leg bent at an important angle, so the first thought was CPR and how to keep him alive.
Even after suffering this injury, Walker remained on the court for two more possessions. He then crawled off the court, requiring assistance from two trainers. Once he got off the field, he walked directly to the locker room and didn’t return to the game. By Sunday, he was pictured on crutches, suggesting just how serious his injury was.
Rick Carlisle, the Pacers’ head coach, just dropped a huge hint with his confirmation. He announced that Walker won’t play in the first two games of the Finals. “He’s going to be out for a while. I don’t know how long. He certainly will not play in the first two games of the Finals,” Carlisle stated. He agreed that the longer than usual schedule of the Finals may give Walker the best chance to heal. “The fact that the Finals are stretched out over a pretty significant period of time gives him a chance to recover,” he added.
Walker averaged just seven minutes per game in the Knicks series. He went on to earn only two points off of his one successful shot. Though his time on the court has been limited, Walker’s effect on the season has been profound. As Indiana’s first draft pick of 2023, he went No. 8 overall. His flashy skill set and potential immediately turned heads.
The Pacers will meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Finals this Thursday. Unfortunately without Walker, they’re going to have to change their game plan to make up for his loss. Walker will likely be off the field until at least June 11. Depending on the course of his recovery, it is likely that he will be back by then.
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