2 Studs, 1 dud from Indiana Pacers win over Utah Jazz

Dud - Obi Toppin

When the Indiana Pacers traded for Obi Toppin over the summer, they got a guy who was desperate for more minutes after not getting many opportunities with the New York Knicks.

Throughout the early portion of the season so far, Toppin has been alright, but it’s been a bit of an up-and-down season for the 25-year-old forward, who has started in every contest.

In this game, Toppin didn't see much playing time, as guys like Aaron Nesmith and Jalen Smith outplayed him in their roles off the bench. Toppin only ended up playing 19:16, which was the second-least among all nine players who touched the floor for Indiana. (Andrew Nembhard played 19:11.)

The reason behind his lack of playing time was simple - he wasn’t the best option to have on the court. With the Pacers looking to win, Carlisle will prioritize whoever is playing best, and against the Utah Jazz, that wasn’t Toppin.

Toppin ended the night with six points, one rebound, three steals, and one block while shooting 3-of-7 from the field and 0-of-3 from behind the three-point arc. He was also a -5 on the night, the worst number on the team and one of only two players with a negative +/- (Tyrese Haliburton was a -1).

As the Pacers continue to traverse throughout the season, Toppin’s play with be something to monitor, as there are plenty of players on the roster who could be chomping at the bit to take his minutes.