Pacers Links: Lance Stephenson held out of practice; looking ahead to Pacers vs. Knicks

For any Pacers fans in Central Indiana disappointed with the team's performance on Saturday night, it didn't take long for a little perspective to make it easy to let that loss go.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the people who felt the direct impact of the violent weather that blew through Indiana on Sunday afternoon. The footage and pictures of the devastation are tough to view, so we hope all of our IC friends made it through the day safely.

But the NBA show goes on and that's what we do here, so with a few timely days off, the Pacers were back at work on Monday getting ready to face the Knicks on Wednesday. Danny Granger remained a spectator at practice and was joined by Lance Stephenson, held out to rest a sprained right foot, according to Scott Agness.

The Pacers expect Stephenson to return to practice on Tuesday and I can imagine Lance will do anything possible to make sure he takes the floor at Madison Square Garden.

Speaking of MSG, during my weekly Pacers chat on The Phil Naessens Show we talked about the mess in Chicago and then looked ahead to the game in New York. Phil has a fondness for the Knicks but can't t see the Pacers struggling to win this time around. He also thinks a win by the Pacers may be the end for Mike Woodson and send the Knicks on a new coaching search.

Check out the podcast here or through the player below.

Check out the links:

HoopsHype - How good is Paul George?

Denari’s Den: Clark Kellogg | Pacers Blogs

Bulls-Pacers clash just a preview of what's to come | CSN Chicago

A surprise for Pacers’ George Hill – and the Broad Ripple High teacher who inspired him

5 things we've learned about the Pacers - Indy Star

The Bulls defense woke up against the Pacers - Blog a Bull

Report: Woodson under pressure from front office to change lineups - CBSSports.com

Isola: Iman Shumpert had secret summertime knee surgery, too (and more trade rumors) - Posting and Toasting

Carmelo Anthony: 'We're not playing worth a [expletive] right now' - CBSSports.com

NBA Power Rankings: Pacers hold onto No. 1 - Yahoo Sports

Timberwolves Links and Notes: Happy with Hummel - Canis Hoopus