Pacers and Recap

Walker (ankle) will miss the first two games of the NBA Finals, Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star reports.

During his weekly radio interview with James Boyd and Kevin Bowen on 107.5 FM The Fan, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Walker will be out “a while.” The NBA Finals are very spread out, however, which gives Walker more time for treatment and healing. He’s averaged 9.8 minutes in the postseason, appearing in 12 out of 16 games. With Walker sidelined, a handful of those minutes could go to Obi Toppin.

Turner chipped in 11 points (4-6 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT) and two rebounds across 21 minutes during Saturday’s 125-108 win over the Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Turner battled foul trouble, liming him to just 21 minutes. Despite being a non-factor, Indiana was still able to get it done, moving through to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years. Turner has been relatively consistent throughout the postseason, averaging 14.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks over the past 11 games. Oklahoma City will trot out a sizeable lineup, meaning Turner will be called upon to shoulder even more, especially on the defensive end.

Toppin notched 18 points (7-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and three blocks over 25 minutes during Saturday’s 125-108 win over New York in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Toppin scored at least 15 points for just the second time this postseason, adding a season-high three blocks. Despite playing a somewhat inconsistent role, Toppin continues to do the little things well, giving the Pacers an alternative look, if and when Myles Turner is struggling. Saturday’s win sees the Pacers advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000, where a matchup with the high-flying Thunder awaits.

Nembhard provided 14 points (6-12 FG, 2-5 3Pt), three rebounds, eight assists, one block and six steals across 37 minutes during Saturday’s 125-108 victory over the Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Nembhard was fantastic in the Game 6 win, playing elite defense, and limiting Jalen Brunson to just 19 points. The six steals marked a career high, coming just when the Pacers needed them the most. Although his offensive production can be a little unpredictable at times, he typically provides the team with a consistent defensive presence alongside Aaron Nesmith. Indiana will now face Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals, the first time the Pacers have reached the top of the mountain since 2000.