David West undergoes MRI today

Oct 12, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) looks to shoot as Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

As if the Pacers haven’t been through enough in a tumultuous offseason, David West’s injury status is in question as the beginning the the NBA season approaches.

West sustained what looked to be a badly sprained ankle in Saturday’s preseason matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. While the term “ankle sprain” doesn’t exactly sound like a long-term problem, this could be an extremely problematic predicament. The MRI will mainly be to make sure that it is just a sprain and that no muscular and tendon issues have arisen.

If, God forbid, David West has to sit for a significant amount of time due to structural damage, the Pacers may be looking at a very long and lonely season. With Paul George out due to his lower leg injury and Lance Stephenson now taking his talents to Charlotte, a David West injury would be detrimental to this once championship-caliber Pacers team. If Roy Hibbert and George Hill can’t find their scoring groove early, a long term injury to the team’s starting power forward might send the season into a fast downward spiral.

However, the injury will hopefully not be too serious. With some time still remaining before the regular season premier, West has plenty of of time to rest his leg and recuperate. However, the results of the MRI will be telling about the Pacers’ 2014-15 season outlook.