Pascal Siakam Cleared for Pacers Comeback After Elbow Injury
Pacers fans can breathe easier now: Pascal Siakam has the green light to hit the court again. After sitting out Indiana’s April 6 clash with the Denver Nuggets, the Pacers’ All-Star forward is officially 'available' for Tuesday’s matchup with the Washington Wizards. The reason for his short absence? Olecranon bursitis—basically, a swollen and irritated elbow. For anyone who's ever landed hard on their arm or banged an elbow, you know just how limiting that swelling can be. Luckily for Indiana, Siakam’s injury turned out to be manageable, not season-threatening.
Siakam’s return couldn’t come at a better time. The Pacers have ripped off four wins in a row, and with the regular season winding down, every game matters for playoff seeding. Sitting at the heart of a busy three-game homestand, Indiana will benefit from having its star in the mix again—especially considering their explosive performance against Washington last time out. Back on March 27, the Pacers blew the roof off by posting a franchise-record 162 points against the Wizards. The matchup was lopsided and left a mark—the Wizards folded as Indiana revealed just how deadly their offense can be.
What’s at Stake and Who’s Sidelined?
The stakes are high. With only a few games left before the playoffs, a healthy and productive roster is the dream for any coach. While Siakam is ready to go, Indiana’s rotation isn’t at full strength. Ben Sheppard is dealing with a toe injury. That can sound minor, but for a guard who relies on speed and quick cuts, it’s a big deal. The update isn’t much better for Isaiah Jackson—he’s out due to Achilles trouble, one of the more ominous injuries any athlete can face.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that the core of Indiana’s lineup is still intact. The Pacers have proven they can light up the scoreboard, and with Siakam blending back in, the offensive arsenal gets yet another weapon. Head coach Rick Carlisle knows the Eastern Conference playoff picture is jammed up tight; every win could shuffle the seeds and change first-round opponents. There’s no room for error or passengers—not with the playoffs looming.
On the other side, the Wizards roll into Indiana banged up themselves. Their medical report lists seven players dealing with one issue or another, although details are thin. Washington’s record this season hasn’t scared anybody, but undermanned teams can always pull a surprise—especially against opponents riding high and maybe looking ahead.
This home stretch signals crunch time for the Pacers. Three games in front of their fans to lock down playoff positioning, get reps with returning starters, and—maybe most importantly—keep the roster as healthy as possible. Siakam’s back, adrenaline’s high, and the playoffs are just around the corner.