Jackson (Achilles) agreed to sign a three-year, $21 million contract with the Pacers on Friday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Indiana extended a qualifying offer to Jackson earlier this offseason, and the big man is now lined up to play his fifth season with the Pacers. Jackson suffered a torn Achilles in November of last season, which restricted him to eight games, but he'll have a chance to take on a more pronounced role when healthy in 2025-26 due to the departure of Myles Turner. Over his five regular-season appearances last year, Jackson averaged 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 16.8 minutes per game.

The Pacers extended a qualifying offer to Jackson (Achilles) for 2025-26 on Sunday, Tony East of WTHR Channel 13 Indianapolis reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jackson is now set to enter restricted free agency this offseason after spending the past four years in Indiana. The big man suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in November and missed the remainder of the 2024-25 season. He appeared in just five regular-season outings (one start) last year, averaging 7.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks across 16.8 minutes per game.

Jackson suffered a torn Achilles during Friday's game against the Pelicans, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jackson left during the fourth quarter of Friday's game with what was initially diagnosed as a right calf injury, but further tests have revealed a much more severe injury, and he will undergo surgery Monday, per Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com. Jackson was set to take on a larger role as the Pacers' top big man off the bench after James Wiseman tore his Achilles, but now Indiana will be without their top two backup centers for the rest of the year. With Myles Turner as the only healthy center left, the Pacers may have Obi Toppin play at the five at times or look to sign a free-agent big man.

Jackson won't return to Friday's game against the Pelicans due to a right calf injury, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jackson sustained the injury in the fourth quarter. He'll finish the contest with six points (3-3 FG, 0-2 FT), eight rebounds, an assist and a block in 16 minutes. Obi Toppin would be a candidate for increased minutes in Jackson's absence.

Jackson will start in place of Myles Turner (ankle) on Wednesday versus Boston, Alex Golden of the 'Setting the Pace' podcast reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jackson steps into the starting lineup to face the Celtics after starting just three contests last season. Coach Rick Carlilse also noted that "Obi Toppin will have to be ready to play some 5, as well as Jarace Walker and potentially Enrique Freeman,"

Jackson ended with seven points (2-8 FG, 3-6 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and four blocks over 22 minutes during Monday's 119-115 loss to the Magic.

EDGE Analysis

Jackson is one of the best per-minute shot blockers in the NBA, and he showed what he can do Monday. Inconsistent playing time has plagued Jackson throughout his career, however. We'll see if coach Rick Carlisle will warm up to the idea of playing him more. For now, his opportunities may continue to be matchup-based or when starting center Myles Turner gets in foul trouble.

Coach Rick Carlisle said Jackson (groin) is available for Friday's game against the Knicks, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jackson missed the club's Opening Night due to a right groin strain. However, the 22-year-old is expected to return to game action and serve as Myles Turner's primary backup with James Wiseman (Achilles) potentially out for the rest of the season.

Jackson (groin) is questionable for Friday's game against the Knicks.

EDGE Analysis

Jackson is dealing with a lingering right groin strain he sustained during training camp. The 22-year-old is expected to carry a significant role off the bench behind Myles Turner with James Wiseman out for the season due to a torn Achilles.

Jackson (groin) is out Wednesday against Detroit, Tony East of SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jackson will be sidelined to start the season due to a groin injury that has been unspecified in severity. James Wiseman will see an early-season opportunity to carve out more back-up big minutes, while Jackson's next opportunity to take the court comes Friday versus the Knicks.

Jackson (groin) is questionable for Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Pistons and is considered day-to-day, Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jackson missed Thursday's preseason game versus the Hornets due to a groin issue and isn't quite past the injury yet. Based on his day-to-day label from coach Rick Carlisle, it's likely that Jackson will be back in action soon, even if he's sidelined for the regular-season opener.