MINNEAPOLIS — The injury-ravaged Indiana Pacers ruled out leading scorer Bennedict Mathurin ahead of their game at Minnesota on Sunday night, leaving the defending Eastern Conference champions with seven unavailable players on the roster.

Another key reserve, Obi Toppin, hurt his right hamstring in the third quarter during the 114-110 defeat by the Timberwolves. Coach Rick Carlisle said afterward Toppin would get an MRI exam for further evaluation but hoped the injury wasn't severe.

Mathurin suffered a big toe sprain on his right foot during Indiana's 128-103 loss at Memphis on Saturday night, when he had 26 points in 28 minutes. Carlisle declined before the game in Minnesota to discuss a timetable for Mathurin's return.

Rookie reserve Taelon Peter also suffered a strained right groin i

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