IC Cold Links: NBA Opening Night Is Here; Pacers Health Improves

The NBA is back!

In just a few short hours the NBA season will tip off in Cleveland where LeBron Jamesand the Cavs will host the reloaded Boston Celtics. Not a bad way to start things off. Other games tonight include Washington at Dallas, Houston at Portland and the L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers. Yep, that should get the hoop juices fully flowin'.

The Pacers are set to go to Atlanta for tomorrow night's opener against the Hawks. Mike Wells reports a mixed bag of injury news from practice yesterday. Danny Grangersat out with a bone bruise on his heel. No, it doesn't sound good but all involved insist the injury isn't serious and DG33 will be amped and ready to go tomoorrow.

Also, T.J. Ford, Travis Diener and Luther Head went at it for the full practice and are also set for the opener.

Jeff Foster will join the team in Atlanta but his availability is up in the air and considering he went to Boston for treatment it doesn't appear that he'll be available in to play in Atlanta and in fact, JOB is making that assumption while preparing for the opener.

After the jump, several more links of interest:

• PACERS: Hibbert, Rush give cause for optimism
  Bruno's latest report focuses on second-year players, Roy Hibbert and Brandon Rush shouldering an important role on the team. Also, Tyler Hansbrough made it through day three of his half-court workouts continuing down the right path toward a full return.
• Rest of NBA chasing Kobe and the Lakers
  Jeff Rabjohns previews the NBA with a few points of local interest to keep an eye on throughout the season.
• Two Hawks starters are on injury watch
  Mike Bibby and Al Horfordboth nursed injuries at the end of Sunday's practice, leaving a gaping question mark in the middle and at the point for the Hawks. Sekou Smith has the details.
• Pacers-Hawks Preview
  Matt Beardmore previews the Pacers-Hawks opener set for Wednesday in Atlanta.
• 8p9s/Pacers Season Preview
  Jared Wade offers up a thorough preview for the True Hoop Network.
• The Summer Losses: Rasho Nesterovic
  Jared Wade looks at the impact of not having Rasho Nesterovic on the roster this season.
• Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin has broken kneecap, out weeks
  Clippers rookie Blake Griffin has a broken kneecap and could miss six weeks. Of course he does. Clippers catch yet another bad break.