Caris LeVert getting closer but will miss Pacers' first four games

INDIANAPOLIS – Caris LeVert will miss the first four games of the Indiana Pacers’ season, coach Rick Carlisle said Saturday.

That is still a favorable development for the Pacers, who announced Sept. 28 that LeVert would be sidelined by stress fracture in his back. Carlisle said LeVert would be re-evaluated Oct. 25 – the Pacers play the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks that night – before he could return to action.

“He’s doing well. He’s had no setbacks,” Carlisle said.

More:After injury-ravaged preseason, Pacers remain a mystery team

More:Pacers' Caris LeVert on stress fracture in back: 'Minor compared to all I've been through'

More:Pacers hope they won't have to wait long to get Justin Holiday and Caris LeVert back

LeVert had a cancerous mass on his left kidney surgically removed soon after he was acquired by the Pacers on Jan. 21. He averaged 20.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists over 35 games.

Five of the Pacers’ top players – LeVert, T.J. Warren, Malcolm Brogdon, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday – missed the final preseason game Friday night with assorted injuries. Carlisle said Warren (foot) is weeks away from returning.

It is indeterminate whether Brogdon (shoulder), Lamb (wrist) and Holiday (ankle) will be ready for Wednesday’s opener at Charlotte.

“We’re excited that the season is going to be starting soon but humbled by kind of the situation we’re in,” Carlisle said.

Holiday was running after Saturday’s practice and is “very motivated” to be back for the opener, Carlisle said.

“He hates missing games. He’s missed very few in his career.”

Pacers waive 3 players: The Pacers announced Saturday they have waived Justin Anderson, Bennie Boatwright, and Derek Culver. The three players signed with the team Friday.

Contact IndyStar reporter David Woods at david.woods@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DavidWoods007.