IC Cold Links: Pacers Back To Work, Prepping For Season Opener

The NBA season tips off tomorrow night in Boston when the Celtics host the Miami Heat. Yeah, that's not a bad way for the league to start the season.

The Indiana Pacers, of course, start the season on Wednesday at the San Antonio Spurs. Not exactly a great way for the blue and gold to start the season, but you have to start somewhere.

With the Fan Jam fun behind them, things take on a more serious tone today as the Pacers have to release a player from the roster while continuing to prep for the Spurs. The good news is that the team appears to be healthy heading into the opener with Danny Granger and T.J. Ford expected back in action.

After the jump, links with the good news, bad news and other items of interest from around the NBA.

• PACERS VIDEO: 2010 Fan Jam
  Pacers.com has a couple of videos showing all fun and frivolity at the Fieldhouse yesterday.
• Who is staying, going for Pacers?
  Mike Wells lays out the options for the Pacers as they look to trim their roster by one. Also, Danny Granger and T.J. Ford will be available for opening night.
• NBA Preview: Indiana Pacers expert predictions - ESPN
  Among the ESPN NBA folks, only Chad Ford and John Hollinger hold out any hope for the Pacers this season.
• Fear of lockout a real concern
  Mike Wells checks with the players for their thoughts on the looming labor problems for the NBA.
• Basketball Prospectus | SCHOENE on 2010-11
  The latest team SCHOENE projections are out from Pacers' consultant Kevin Pelton. The number predict 31 wins and a safe spot in the lottery for the Pacers.
• Peter Vecsey's 2010-11 NBA Eastern Conference preview
  Peter Vecsey previews the East like only he can.
• When love hurts: Stacy Paetz shares personal story of pain and triumph
  Barb Berggoetz shares the story Stacy Paetz has tell as she tries to help women who are victims of abuse.
• Pacers Bet Big on Small Programs
  Joel Brigham takes a closer look at Paul George who appears primed to help the Pacers in his rookie season.
• EPA to help Indy boost sports-arena recycling
  Hopefully Roy Hibbert will identify some new types of recyclables as in opponents shots at the Fieldhouse.
• Knicks waive Patrick Ewing Jr.
  Waiving PE II means the Knicks are keeping Shawne Williams on their 15-man roster to start the season.