Johnny Furphy return expected before Christmas

• Johnny Furphy has been sidelined since November 3 with a left ankle sprain
• He also suffered an injury against OKC in the preseason
• Furphy could return "in the next couple of weeks" according to coach Rick Carlisle

Highflying Aussie wing Johnny Furphy is making progress in his recovery from an ankle injury and is expected to make a return for the Indiana Pacers before Christmas.

Furphy, a second-year player out of the University of Kansas, has been sidelined since suffering a left ankle sprain on November 3 when he left the venue on crutches. He has only played in three games this season.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle gave an update on the Melbourne product's return from injury before his team's 97-95 Emirates Cup loss to the Toronto Raptors on November 27.

"Johnny's situation is getting better," he said.

"He's started doing more activity on the floor. I would think in the next couple of weeks sometime he'll be back."

It will be a massive boost for an Indiana side sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a 2-16 record, after taking the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the NBA Finals last season, amid a long list of injuries.

All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton (achilles) is out for the season, Obi Toppin remains out until at least February, while Aaron Nesmith could return around the same time as Furphy.

It's been a tough start to Furphy's second season in the NBA with the man, becoming known for his thunderous dunks, expected to take on a bigger role in 2025-26 after showing glimpses last season and dominating in his few games at the NBA Summer League in July.

NBA legend and arguably the greatest dunker of all-time, Vince Carter, also called for Furphy to feature in this season's dunk contest.

The 20-year-old was also featured on basketball.com.au contributor Jason Cadee's Boomers side for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.