Pacers rookie Isaiah Jackson sprains ankle against Magic, leaves game

INDIANAPOLIS – On the first possession of the Pacers’ home game against the Magic on Wednesday night, Indiana's Isaiah Jackson went down with a right ankle sprain after stepping on Wendell Carter Jr.'s foot during a rebound and did not return.

The 20-year-old rookie starred in Indiana's last outing Monday in a win over the Clippers, wowing the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd with 26 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks and four dunks in his first NBA start. Two days later, a sparser crowd due to inclement weather was left shocked after the promising 6-10 forward limped off the floor and to the locker room just 22 seconds into an eventual 119-118 loss to Orlando.

"He's not in a boot," Carlisle said after the game. "He's walking out (of the arena). He's limping, but he's walking on his own power, so the hope is it's not anything serious."

Jackson played one season at Kentucky and was selected 22nd overall by the Lakers in the 2021 NBA Draft before being traded to the Pacers. Prior to Wednesday, Jackson had appeared in 18 games this season, averaging 5.8 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 52.6% from the field.

Jackson's absence left Indiana's frontcourt extremely thin. Two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis is in the NBA's COVID-19 health and safety protocols and missed his second straight game. League-leading shot blocker Myles Turner (stress reaction in left foot) and third-year center Goga Bitadze (bruised right foot) were sidelined for their 10th and third consecutive games, respectively. Oshae Brissett, who had been used as a small-ball center, missed his second straight game (sore right ankle).

Undrafted rookie Terry Taylor, who is 6-5, subbed in for Jackson at center, and of the nine players left available for the Pacers, 6-7 swingman Torrey Craig was the tallest.

Taylor totaled 24 points and 16 rebounds for his first career double-double. Craig scored 22 points with five 3s.

Follow IndyStar Pacers beat writer James Boyd on Twitter: @RomeovilleKid. Reach him via email: jboyd1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Pacers rookie Isaiah Jackson sprains ankle against Magic