3 Pacers players who need to have a strong preseason

These individuals' seasons may hang in the balance for Indiana

Oct 8, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) reacts after a three point basket during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images / Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

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2. Bennedict Mathurin

The last time that Mathurin played for the Pacers was on March 5th on the road against the Dallas Mavericks. In the win, he scored 19 points. Prior to his season-ending injury, the former Arizona Wildcat averaged 14.5 points while shooting 44.6% from the floor.

There were times that Mathurin went off in games. Two games in February he scored over 30 points. In January, he scored at least 24 points four different times.

Finding his groove back with the team after being cleared to return is going to be his biggest challenge. With a strong preseason, he could return to the starting lineup.

He did improve from behind the arc compared to his rookie season. Despite racking up a few more assists per game, the 22-year-old did see a slight dip in his minutes and overall scoring average from the year before.

If Mathurin has a bad or unfavorable showing, he then could find himself on the bench alongside Walker and others as they wait for the time.

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