Pacers F Obi Toppin to Return Against Hornets

Toppin will play on a minutes restriction after missing time with a stress fracture.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:35pm

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Pacers forward Obi Toppin will be available for Thursday's game against the Hornets, his first appearance since being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right foot in late October. Coach Rick Carlisle said Toppin will be on a minutes restriction for the game and for the remainder of the season.

Why it matters

Toppin's return is a boost for the Pacers, who reached the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years last season. The 24-year-old forward averaged 14.0 points per game in the season's first three games before the injury, up from 10.5 per game the previous year.

The details

Toppin has been sidelined since late October after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right foot. Carlisle said the team will bring him back slowly, keeping him on a minutes restriction for Thursday's game against the Hornets and for the rest of the season.

  • Toppin was diagnosed with the stress fracture in his right foot after the season's third game in late October.
  • Toppin will return to action on Thursday, February 26, 2026 against the Hornets.

The players

Obi Toppin

A 24-year-old forward for the Indiana Pacers who averaged 14.0 points per game in the first three games of the season before suffering a stress fracture in his right foot.

Rick Carlisle

The head coach of the Indiana Pacers.

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What they’re saying

“Toppin will be on a minutes restriction and will be on one for the rest of the game.”

— Rick Carlisle, Head Coach (indystar.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Toppin's return is a positive development for the Pacers as they look to build on their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years. The team will take a cautious approach with his minutes to ensure he can contribute effectively for the remainder of the season.