Indiana Pacers Forward Johnny Furphy Suffers Torn ACL

21-year-old wing player to miss remainder of season with significant injury

Feb. 9, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The Indiana Pacers announced that forward Johnny Furphy has suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, an injury sustained during Sunday's game against the Toronto Raptors. The 6-foot-8 forward out of Kansas had been a key contributor for the Pacers this season, providing steady defense and strong rebounding on the wing.

Why it matters

Furphy's injury represents a significant setback for the Pacers, who were counting on the 21-year-old's continued development this season. Combined with the recent trade of Bennedict Mathurin, Furphy's absence leaves a clear void in Indiana's wing rotation as the team pushes for a playoff spot.

The details

Furphy suffered the injury after landing awkwardly on a dunk attempt during the third quarter of Sunday's game. An MRI confirmed the torn ACL, which typically requires 6-12 months of recovery time, making it highly likely Furphy will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

  • Furphy suffered the injury on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • The MRI confirming the torn ACL was taken on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Johnny Furphy

A 21-year-old forward for the Indiana Pacers who has started 21 of the 35 games he appeared in this season, providing steady defense and strong rebounding on the wing.

Ben Sheppard

A third-year guard for the Indiana Pacers who could receive an opportunity to start in Furphy's absence, as his skill set most closely mirrors Furphy's defensive versatility, off-ball movement, and connective play.

Jarace Walker

A third-year forward for the Indiana Pacers who could maintain his bench role if Ben Sheppard is elevated to the starting lineup, allowing Walker to continue his chemistry with the second unit.

Kam Jones

A rookie guard for the Indiana Pacers who the team has already explored expanding the role of, and who could earn consistent minutes with the bench unit if Ben Sheppard is promoted to the starting lineup.

Quenton Jackson

A two-way guard for the Indiana Pacers who the team may consider converting to a standard contract to provide depth in the backcourt, though they may prefer to evaluate him further alongside the second unit before making that decision.

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What they’re saying

“An MRI taken on Monday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York confirmed that Furphy tore his ACL.”

— Alex Golden, NBA Reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

The Pacers have not announced a formal timetable for Furphy's recovery, but the team must now identify a replacement in the starting lineup, with Ben Sheppard emerging as a strong candidate to step into that role.

The takeaway

Furphy's injury represents a significant setback for the Pacers, who were counting on the continued development of the 21-year-old wing player. The team must now navigate the remainder of the season without one of its key contributors, testing the depth of their roster as they push for a playoff spot.