The Indiana Pacers will be without their best player going forward. The team announced Thursday afternoon that All-Star guard Victor Oladpio will undergo season-ending knee surgery.
Oladipo has been diagnosed with a ruptured quad tendon in his right knee, which he suffered Wednesday night against the Toronto Raptors. With four minutes remaining in the second quarter, Oladipo tried stopping a cross-court pass, landing awkwardly on his knee. He would need to be taken off the court on a stretcher. There is no date yet for Oladipo’s surgery.
Oh no. Victor Oladipo is down with what looks like a serious knee injury. pic.twitter.com/lppgTLjabc
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) January 24, 2019
Despite getting the win, Oladipo’s injury is a huge blow to the Pacers’ season. At third place in the east, Indiana is one of a few teams that could end up winning the conference. Oladipo, an All-Star last season and likely this season, is the team’s de-facto leader.
While the team still has several talented players, including five others who average double figures, Oladipo’s absence will likely crush the Pacers’ chances of making it to the NBA Finals.
Several players from around the NBA tweeted in support of Oladipo following his injury.
🙏🏾‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ @VicOladipo
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 24, 2019
🙏🏾 also prayers up to @VicOladipo maaan. Safe and quick recovery
— James Harden (@JHarden13) January 24, 2019
Prayers up @VicOladipo🙏🏽
— Devin Booker (@DevinBook) January 24, 2019
Back to my positive vibes.. everybody pray for @VicOladipo !
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) January 24, 2019
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers! Follow Zach on Twitter for more NBA content.