INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller will miss at least the first two weeks of the regular season as he continues recovering from a deep bone bruise to his right ankle. Team president Donnie Walsh won't speculate about the time the 16-year veteran could miss until speaking with Miller, which he said he will do by Monday. The Pacers open the season Wednesday at Conseco Fieldhouse against the Houston Rockets. Miller didn't play in the preseason, which concluded with a 111-76 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. He sprained his ankle August 25th in an exhibition game with the U.S. team for the World Basketball Championship. Ron Mercer has started in Miller's spot in the preseason, but coach Isiah Thomas wouldn't say if Mercer or Ron Artest would be the starter in the regular-season opener. Artest, who also missed the preseason after surgery on a finger, is expected to be cleared to play in Wednesday's opener.
That is good for us. We will win this game big. I feel bad that he is injured and all, but atleast we will win our first game easily.
Is anybody going to be playing against the Rockets in this game? Seems like their entire team is hurt.
I just wish our injured players come back healthy soon,although I would like to see us beat Indiana with all of their players being fit.
Now there are no excuses for the Rockets getting off to a poor start. They should start at least 3-0.
It says that Artest may be cleared to play in the opener, but I would be shocked if he was effective considering he hasn't been able to play any kind of organized basketball in 6 months.
You forget how good Artest is. He can hold Kobe to 38 points and take anyone to the playoffs and help them win it all. J/k. Although I am not happy that Indiana is suffering some injuries and possible suspensions, I hope the Rockets do come out and take advantage of the situation.
since we're supposed to win this game, we'll probably lose. plus the jinx you guys just put on us by saying we will definitely win won't help either.
i think his fight was with howard right. and i know howard got suspended for 2 games but jermaine wasn't mentioned at that time as having been suspended so i would think he will play. that equals bad for the rockets, good for my fantasy team.
Jermaine isn't going to be suspended. As long as the Rockets come out to play and the bench contributes they should win, cross your fingers!