Pistons-Pacers Preview
Share This Story
As expected, the Indiana Pacers didn't make any deals at the trade deadline, but they're hoping to have a new addition to their rotation soon.
Perennial scoring leader Danny Granger could return during a home-and-home series against the Detroit Pistons that begins Friday night in Indianapolis.
There were rumors that Indiana (33-21) might deal Granger because it has performed well enough to lead the Central Division without him. Pacers president Donnie Walsh, though, told the team's official website before Wednesday's 125-91 rout of New York that his return "solves a lot of stuff that I would say we need."
Granger was expected to make his long-awaited return from a knee injury that's kept him out all season Feb. 13, but an illness delayed that. The seven-year veteran has averaged 21.6 points while leading the Pacers in scoring in each of the past five seasons and is expected to play initially off the bench.
"It's just going to be a matter of his rhythm and timing," coach Frank Vogel said. "We'll manage his minutes accordingly until he's sharp enough and ready to play regular minutes."
With a career-best 17.8-point average, Paul George has helped make up for Granger's absence and led the way in a pair of recent blowout victories.
George had 27 points Wednesday and scored 23 in a 101-77 win over Charlotte in the final game before the All-Star break Feb. 13.
George, however, has been held to a combined 25 points on 33.3 percent shooting in the two matchups with Detroit (22-34) this season. The Pacers still won both games to continue their recent dominance over their division rivals.
Indiana is 12-3 in the past 15 matchups and has won nine straight at home, most recently a 98-79 rout Jan. 30. Roy Hibbert led six players in double figures with 18 points in that victory and had 11 rebounds.
The Pacers would appear poised for another win as they're 7-2 in their last nine with both losses coming in overtime. The Pistons, though, are 4-2 in their last six and have won back-to-back road games for the first time this season.
Detroit, however, might not have starting guard Brandon Knight available after he injured his knee and ankle in a 105-99 victory in Charlotte on Wednesday. Knight scored a team-best 21 points before hyperextending his right knee in the third quarter.
He tried to return in the final period but limped off the court.
"You've got to listen to your body sometimes, but as a competitor when your team is in a close game, you always want to play, especially when you have an opportunity to put a team away," Knight said. "As long as we won, I'm happy. That's what I'm most happy about."
If Knight has to sit out, Greg Monroe will try to help make up for his absence by continuing his consistent play against Indiana. The center is averaging 18.3 points and 10.0 rebounds in the last four matchups.
Indiana's David West is averaging a team-best 18.5 points on 60.0 percent shooting in the two meetings this season.
The Pacers visit the Pistons on Saturday night to complete the two-game set.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Tiger, Sergio are both chicken
Neither Sergio Garcia nor Tiger Woods did anything to promote better race relations. ... -
Teen strangled by dog lead
A Kentucky high school football player known as a "jokester" was strangled by a dog l... -
O'Grady sorry for using term 'colored'
The head of the European golf tour apologized Thursday for using the term ''colored''... -
A-Rod a budding real estate mogul?
Injured Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez already rakes in more dough than any pla... -
Flock, Petty highlight new class
Flock. Petty. Jarrett. Ingram. Roberts. New Hall class is diverse.
NBA Videos
LeBron, Wade on OT win
Posted: May 23, 2013
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade discuss the Heat's Game 1 OT win over Indiana.
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade discuss the Heat's Game 1 OT win over Indiana.
George: I slipped up
Posted: May 23, 2013
Paul George comments on giving up the final points of Game 1 to LeBron James aft...
Paul George comments on giving up the final points of Game 1 to LeBron James aft...
Bosh on Heat battling for Game 1 win
Posted: May 23, 2013
Hear from Chris Bosh after the Heat beat the Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Con...
Hear from Chris Bosh after the Heat beat the Pacers in Game 1 of the Eastern Con...
NBA Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Blake Griffin Los Angeles Clippers Revolution 30 Performance Jersey - Red | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Clippers/browse/featuredproduct/491845/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_491000/ff_491845_xl.jpg&w=100 | 59.95 | adidas Blake Griffin Los Angeles Clippers Revolution 30 Performance Jersey - Red |
| adidas LeBron James Miami Heat Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-Black | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Miami_Heat/browse/featuredproduct/498609/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_498000/ff_498609_xl.jpg&w=100 | 89.95 | adidas LeBron James Miami Heat Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey-Black |
| adidas Carmelo Anthony New York Knicks Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey - Royal Blue | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_New_York_Knicks/browse/featuredproduct/620470/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_620000/ff_620470_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.99 | adidas Carmelo Anthony New York Knicks Revolution 30 Swingman Performance Jersey.. |
| Mitchell & Ness San Antonio Spurs Black Solid Script Snapback Adjustable Hat | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_San_Antonio_Spurs/browse/featuredproduct/692239/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_692000/ff_692239_xl.jpg&w=100 | 25.95 | Mitchell & Ness San Antonio Spurs Black Solid Script Snapback Adjustable Hat |
| Majestic Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Logo Man T-Shirt - Black | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Lakers/browse/featuredproduct/851828/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_851000/ff_851828_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | Majestic Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Logo Man T-Shirt - Black |
| Majestic Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder Logo Man T-Shirt - White | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Oklahoma_City_Thunder/browse/featuredproduct/851842/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_851000/ff_851842_xl.jpg&w=100 | 23.95 | Majestic Kevin Durant Oklahoma City Thunder Logo Man T-Shirt - White |
| adidas Miami Heat 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Champions Locker Room T-Shirt - White | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Miami_Heat/browse/featuredproduct/890174/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_890000/ff_890174_xl.jpg&w=100 | 21.95 | adidas Miami Heat 2012 NBA Eastern Conference Champions Locker Room T-Shirt - Wh.. |
| adidas Oklahoma City Thunder 2012 NBA Western Conference Champions Locker Room Flex Hat - Black | http://shop.foxsports.com/FOX_Oklahoma_City_Thunder/browse/featuredproduct/890384/source/foxsports_prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_890000/ff_890384_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.99 | adidas Oklahoma City Thunder 2012 NBA Western Conference Champions Locker Room F.. |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "Post comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be Polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.