SALT LAKE CITY — Myles Turner will miss at least the next four games with a ligament sprain and muscle strain in his right elbow, the Indiana Pacers announced Tuesday. The Pacers said Turner would not require surgery, but his status was updated to week-to-week.
Turner has already missed three games with the injury, which he suffered Jan. 8 against the Milwaukee Bucks. He has been wearing a brace on his arm since the injury.
Turner is averaging 13.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, and is second in the NBA in blocked shots at 2.24 per game.
Domantas Sabonis will remain the starting center in Turner’s absence, and Al Jefferson will continue to see minutes as Sabonis' backup. Both Sabonis and Jefferson played well during the Pacers’ 120-97 victory Sunday in Phoenix, with Sabonis grabbing a team-high 14 rebounds, and Jefferson securing 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench,
The Pacers (23-20) are 2-1 since Turner’s injury, but he is their leading shot-blocker with a versatile offensive game. His absence will make their current trip more challenging. After tonight’s game against the Utah Jazz, the Pacers will visit the Portland Trail Blazers (Thursday), the Los Angeles Lakers (Friday), and the San Antonio Spurs (Sunday).
Turner missed seven games earlier this season after suffering a concussion, and this injury is another unfortunate setback, coming after he made a breakaway dunk.
“Something just didn’t feel right afterward,” Turner said the day after the injury.
Turner has not played since, and it remains uncertain when he will return.
More Pacers coverage
3 takeaways from the Pacers' 120-97 victory over the Suns
Stephenson excites at home, but can he ignite Pacers during five-game trip?
Join the Conversation
To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs