Pacers’ Myles Turner Out vs. Bulls; Thomas Bryant to Start

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers will be without starting center Myles Turner for Wednesday night’s game against the Chicago Bulls due to a non-COVID illness, head coach Rick Carlisle announced during his pre-game press conference. However, All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton will play despite a right ankle sprain.

Turner, who has missed only two games this season, is averaging 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.2% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range. His absence leaves a significant void in the Pacers’ lineup, particularly on the defensive end, where he ranks fourth in the NBA in blocks per game.

Carlisle confirmed that Thomas Bryant, acquired in a December 15 trade with the Miami Heat, will start in Turner’s place. Bryant has averaged 5.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game since joining the Pacers, shooting 53.7% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. “We’ll figure it out as we go,” Carlisle said, emphasizing the team’s adaptability.

Bryant’s opportunity comes after the Pacers’ backup centers, James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson, suffered season-ending Achilles tendon injuries earlier this year. The 26-year-old Bryant has shown flashes of potential in limited minutes, including a recent stretch of 6.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.8 three-pointers per game over his last six appearances.

Enrique Freeman, a two-way contract player, was held out of the Mad Ants‘ G League game against the Osceola Magic on Wednesday afternoon to ensure his availability for the Pacers. Freeman’s presence provides additional depth in case Bryant encounters foul trouble or fatigue.

The Pacers, currently fighting for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference, will rely on their depth to overcome Turner’s absence. The Bulls, led by DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, present a formidable challenge as they look to climb the standings themselves.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.