The Indiana Pacers were able to survive a lot of injuries early in the season. Aaron Nesmith's injury just a few games into the season threw the starting lineup into chaos. Bennedict Mathurin was thrust into the starting lineup for a lot of the season.

The Indiana Pacers have been on an impressive run in 2025, playing some of their best basketball of the season. They currently hold a 16-5 record in the new year, showing that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.

Going back to the bench means Bennedict Mathurin's offensive approach could change and focus a little more on scoring than efficiency.

The Indiana Pacers had to make Bennedict Mathurin the starting small forward very early in the season. After Aaron Nesmith hurt his ankle, they really had no choice. Nesmith's ankle sprain was so severe that he missed 35 games before coming back a couple of weeks prior to the All-Star break.

Feb 24, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball while Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The NBA has reached its unofficial midway point over the All-Star Break, what grade does Bennedict Mathurin get for the Indiana Pacers?

Indiana Pacers wing Bennedict Mathurin is programmed to score, regardless of whether he comes off the bench. However, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle felt the need to tweak the team's lineup. Naturally, any lineup change will cause conversation among the team. After Carlisle changed the starting lineup, Mathurin reacted to the pivotal role shift.

Obi Toppin and Bennedict Mathurin combined for 59 points and the Pacers rode their pressure defense to another second-half comeback.

Bennedict Mathurin has started 44 games this season but is averaging 17.9 points per game off the bench compared to 16.4 as a starter.

Mathurin once again provided a lift for Indiana off the bench Thursday, leading all second unit players in scoring to go along with a team-high-tying steals mark over a bench-leading minute total. Mathurin has recorded a pair of steals in 10 contests this year while tallying 15 or more points in five straight outings.

McConnell (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Raptors. McConnell is in jeopardy of missing his second consecutive contest due to the right ankle sprain. With Tyrese Haliburton (calf) also having been deemed questionable for Wednesday's contest,

Pacers head into All-Star break with 30-23 record and sit in fourth place in Eastern Conference. Obi Toppin and Bennedict Mathurin combined to score 59 points off the bench to save Pacers vs. lowly Wizards. Obi Toppin posted 31 points on a career-high six ...