The Indiana Pacers will be without forward Jarace Walker for at least the first two games of the 2025 NBA Finals, as reported by coach Rick Carlisle. This announcement comes shortly before their Game 1 match against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Walker suffered a right ankle injury during the Pacers’ decisive Game 6 victory over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.

He was injured while attempting to defend against a shot from Karl-Anthony Towns and ended up landing awkwardly, causing him to roll his ankle severely. He required assistance to leave the court and was still using crutches as of Sunday.

Carlisle commented, “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.” If Walker misses just two games, he could return for Game 3 in Indianapolis on June 11.

While Walker’s role was limited during the Knicks series, having only appeared in Games 5 and 6, the Pacers have a deep roster which could see him utilized more effectively against Thunder’s All-Star Jalen Williams.