Pacers Links: Pacers face big test against Spurs, Granger happy with practice effort

The Indiana Pacers face a strong test on the road Saturday night when they face the San Antonio Spurs. The Pacers can play well on the Spurs' home floor, as they've done in the past, and still come away on the losing end.

Showing up ready to play after two days to rest and giving themselves a chance to win down the stretch should be a standard expectation for the Pacers. Finding a way to win and leave San Antonio 3-1 on the current road trip would be passing the test with flying colors.

Danny Granger passed a test of his own on Friday when he ran in the Pacers' scrimmage during practice. Granger was pretty happy with his effort in practice and as Candace Buckner reports, is ready to ramp up his return to game action, if only he could convince the training staff.

"(The Pacers' trainers are) kind of holding me back and I think they know best. If it was up to me, I'd be playing but like I said, they know best," Granger said. "That's just me talking from my competitive side. I practiced today so obviously I'm not far away."

Again, we'll see if Granger is still as bullish on his return after waking up in the morning, but it is nice to hear him gearing up for game action. Also, CB shared this proof of life video of Granger at practice firing from behind the arc.

Check out the links:

Game Preview: Pacers at Spurs | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Pacers F Danny Granger practices - Indy Star

The Indiana Pacers’ television affiliate is paying to encourage Pacer fans to see games live | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo Sports

Pacers-Spurs Preview - AP

San Antonio Spurs News, Scores, Stats & Analysis – Spurs Nation " Notes on a practice: Spurs back to work, Splitter in doubt for Pacers

Kawhi Leonard's leap to stardom put on hold - SBNation.com

Why Danny Green isn't a premier defender (yet) - Pounding The Rock

Spurs Nation " Beast of the East

NBA4Life 89 - NYKnicks vs BrooklynNets - race to the bottom 12/05 by CLNSRadio | Sports PodcastsNBA4Life 89 - NYKnicks vs BrooklynNets - race to the bottom 12/05 by CLNSRadio | Sports Podcasts

Pacers Weekly: Frank Vogel | Pacers Blogs

Houston Rockets put Omer Asik on trade block - ESPN

Meet Gordon Hayward, go-to NBA scorer - Indy Star

Watch: Victor Oladipo and Regis Philbin sing "Ain't No Sunshine" - Orlando Pinstriped Post