Pacers Links: Pacers host Bobcats, Granger not ready to return

The Indiana Pacers host the Charlotte Bobcats tonight which seems like the perfect game for Danny Granger to break the seal on his most-recent comeback attempt and play at least a few minutes.

Prior to playing Miami on Tuesday, Granger indicated he was ready to go and was targeting Friday for his return. Frank Vogel didn't exactly share the same enthusiasm for Granger's proclamation, essentially saying his comments surprised him and that we'll see him when we see him.

Now that it is Friday, Granger is holding off his return. He continued working out this week and was a full participant in practice on Thursday which revealed more rust than he'd like for his game to go live, as Curt Cavin reported.

"I don't like where I'm at with my timing and my rhythm and obviously my conditioning," he said. "I don't think I will (play) Friday.

"I practiced today, a full-on practice, but I don't feel like I'm ready yet. I dribbled the ball off my foot a couple of times, just things you do when you haven't played. (I) lost the ball in transition on a pass. My rhythm isn't there yet."

There is no concern about a physical setback for Granger so it seems like if the concern is just timing, rhythm and conditioning that the team should make Granger active for the game tonight and if the opportunity presents itself, give him some run.

The Bobcats have been stout defensively, but if the Pacers put a patented third quarter run on them and create a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, giving Granger five-to-seven minutes would certainly be a great way to knock more of the rust off. The easiest way to gain back that game timing and rhythm is in an actual game.

Of course, if the game is tight throughout Granger doesn't have to play, but by being active at least they have the option.

Check out the links:

Granger not ready to return to game action | Pacers Blogs

Granger says he will not make debut Friday - Indy Star

Game Preview: Pacers vs Bobcats | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Paul George an East All-Star starter after early returns | Pacers Blogs

Bobcats-Pacers Preview - AP

Charlotte Bobcats at Indiana Pacers: Gameday | CharlotteObserver.com

New Bobcat’s advice to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: ‘Man up’ | CharlotteObserver.com

Paul George Trails Only LeBron in All-Star Votes in the East | 8 Points, 9 Seconds

Joe Boyle on Dick Vitale and His Son | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Brad Stevens is an amazing coach and it's killing the Boston Celtics - Indy Star

Knicks trade rumors: Kyle Lowry deal vetoed by James Dolan, according to report - SBNation.com

VIDEO: Zach Randolph gives special needs fan the shirt off his back - CBSSports.com