According to Bennedict Mathurin himself, via Forbes' Tony East, he is still dealing with the toe injury that sidelined him for 11 games earlier in the season.
"Still an issue. I would say it's still a problem, but I'm a problem-solver. I find solutions. I'm able to stand on my two feet, which means I'm ready to go. It's a blessing for me to be able to play basketball, wake up every single day, and I'm really into just going out there and doing my best. ... Without saying too much, I can still feel [the toe injury]," Mathurin said on Wednesday.
Some Pacers practice notes today:
— Tony East (@TonyREast) December 17, 2025
1 - Bennedict Mathurin confirms his toe injury, one that kept him out of 11 games from 10/26 to 11/15, is still bothering him: pic.twitter.com/TshNFQIjUg
Given that Mathurin is back on the court and hasn't missed a game since his return on Nov. 17, it seems like he and the Pacers aren't too concerned about this. However, the season is still young, and the team doesn't really have much to play for this season. Keeping him on the court (and having him play a major role on offense) could backfire for both sides as Mathurin looks to contribute and prove his value.
Bennedict Mathurin is still playing good basketball
Through 15 games this season, the Canadian native is averaging 20.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 44.6% from the field and 41.1% from deep. Though he has come back down to earth after his scorching-hot start to the season, Mathurin is still showcasing exactly what he brings to the table as an isolation scorer and developing team player.
Without Tyrese Haliburton this season, a lot of eyes were going to be on Mathurin to generate some offense and be the bucket-getter everybody (including the Pacers) knows he can be. And for the most part, he's done that. However, he has looked a bit off in recent games, and his injury is likely the biggest reason why.
Now, Nembhard is passing up open threes and Mathurin still looks like he’s struggling with his deceleration as a driver, dragging the toe, since returning from the toe injury.
— Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper) December 14, 2025
Mathurin is still scoring at a pretty high level, averaging 16.8 points on 44.4% shooting from deep in his last six games, but his play has been inconsistent.
While the Pacers might not, the Arizona alum has a lot to play for this season. He is an impending restricted free agent, and it is still unclear what his future has in store. Indiana is still looking to get a definitive answer on Mathurin and whether he can be a long-term fit before signing him to a new deal. But given his injury, it's going to be very difficult for him to continue showcasing what the team needs to see.
Ultimately, the Pacers should sign Mathurin to a new deal anyway. Trading him this season doesn't make much sense unless they get a clear-cut, obvious upgrade at center in return (which probably isn't happening), and it would be a bad idea to move on from him for nothing for essentially just financial reasons.
The 23-year-old has already proven that he can help this team compete. He scored 20 or more points in five games during the Pacers' 2025 NBA Finals run (all off the bench), and he is proving now that he can adapt to any role.
Hopefully for Mathurin and the Pacers, him playing through this injury doesn't come back to bite them too much as the team aims to get an answer before the offseason.