Pacers Links: Pacers focus on Knicks coming out of All-Star break

Until Danny Granger actually plays in a game for the Indiana Pacers there will always be some doubt about his return. If he is able to play on Wednesday against the New York Knicks, great. If not, the questions and concerns will continue to mount.

I get it.

But I don't see the need to panic about the situation just yet. After mentioning the fact Granger's return may not be this week my inbox filled with anxious doom and gloom worries.

Some of those worries even added a conspiratorial twist, raising the idea that the Pacers are just trotting Granger out in practice as a PR stunt, a conspiracy to help sell tickets while knowing he won't return this year.

Stop it!

Check out this tweet from Scott Agness last night which includes a picture of Granger at practice. Notice he's running with the blue squad which is a good indication he is far closer to playing than he is to sitting out the remainder of the season. Obviously, something could happen in practice to set back Granger's return but practice time during the season is far to precious to dink around with Granger for PR purposes.

All of the worst case and best case scenarios remain in play for Granger's return but it will take some patience before the full story is revealed in the coming months. At least we have an actual game against the Knicks on Wednesday to focus on tomorrow.

Check out the links:

Pacers should be poised to win division | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

NBA to resume, with Lakers in funk and Heat on top - AP

5 Keys to winning East for Pacers | 1070 The Fan – Opinion & Analysis

NY Knicks midseason report: Where do they go from here? As far as All-Star Carmelo Anthony will take them - NY Daily News

Rasheed Wallace of New York Knicks returning to practice Tuesday after left foot injury - NYPOST.com

NBA Trade Deadline 2013 Team Previews - SBNation.com

Indiana Pacers trade rumors: Help on offense likely to be focus - SBNation.com

Derrick Rose of Chicago Bulls participates in 5-on-5 drills - ESPN Chicago

NBA All-Star Weekend 2013: The league's transitional moment - SBNation.com

2013 NBA All-Star Game sneakers for LeBron James, Kobe Bryant | The Point Forward - SI.com

Suns, Celtics still pursuing Josh Smith - CBSSports.com

Fear of tax may make this slower-than-usual trade deadline | ProBasketballTalk