Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker suffered a right ankle injury in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals against the New York Knicks, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming NBA Finals. The young star was seen leaving the court on crutches after an awkward landing while defending a drive early in the fourth quarter. Despite his limited minutes in the series, Walker's impact was felt as he made his only shot of the game before being sidelined by the injury.
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle expressed uncertainty about Walker's status for the Finals, highlighting the concern surrounding the severity of the ankle injury. With just four days to recover before Game 1 against Oklahoma City, Walker's health will be closely monitored as Indiana seeks to lean on their first-round draft pick from 2023 for a potential title run. The team and fans alike will be holding their breath as they await updates on the promising forward's condition and potential return to the court.