Pacers lose center Jackson to torn Achilles

Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson has sustained a torn right Achilles tendon, league sources told ESPN on Saturday.

He is scheduled to undergo surgery Monday, sources said.

Jackson suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of Friday’s 125-118 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. He landed awkwardly while trying to block a shot by Brandon Ingram and had to be helped off the floor.

The 22-year-old had six points and eight rebounds before leaving the game.

Jackson becomes the second Pacers big man lost for the season due to a torn Achilles. Pacers center James Wiseman suffered an Achilles tear Oct. 23 in the team’s first game.

The Pacers are now expected to explore the market for frontcourt depth behind Myles Turner.

Jackson is in the final season of his rookie contract after being drafted in the first round in 2021 by the Los Angeles Lakers and landing in Indiana as part of a five-team trade that summer.