Darren Collison could return on Monday
Darren Collison could return for the Indiana Pacers on Monday 22 November when they go up against the star-studded Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.
Collison, who averaged 15.1 points and 4.1 assists in Indiana’s first eight games this season, missed their last three games with a sprained ankle that he sustained during a practice last
week.
The 23-year-old point guard, who was acquired by the Pacers in four-team deal during the off-season, could have played in their loss against the Orlando Magic on Saturday 20 November. However,
head coach Jim O’Brien does not want to take a risk, prompting him to play T.J Ford and A.J Price, who is the team’s third option in the position.
“We have a situation where it was sore Saturday, and I can't afford to be in a situation where he can't go and I have A.J. on the inactive list,” said O’Brien.
Although Collison admitted that he is still having a difficult time making sharp cuts on his ankle, he said that he will be ready as they try to pull off an upset against the star-studded
Heat, whose superstar trio was criticized by Pacers forward Danny Granger.
“As a player, I didn't like it,” said Granger on LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade’s decision to play together in Miami. “Three guys in the prime of their career jumping on one team,
I don't think any player likes it. You look at it as; you have to do that to win a championship. It happened and all the stars are aligned, but I didn't like it.”
The Pacers will try to improve their record to 6-6 on Monday 22 November, although they know that the Heat will be a tough nut to crack even if they are still struggling to find their offensive
rhythm in their first 13 games this season.
“It's hard not to pay attention to them. They're on television every day,” said Pacers forward James Posey on Miami Heat, who dropped five of their first 13 games this season. “They put themselves
in a situation to get those players. They took it on the chin for a couple of years to get to this point and it worked for them.”
The Heat will play without do-it-all power forward Udonis Haslem, who is out with a foot injury, while Dwyane Wade remains doubtful with a sprained left wrist.
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