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The Pacers return to action on Friday night free of any trade deadline rumors. After not making any roster changes, the Pacers hope to add Danny Granger to the playing rotation at some point this weekend when they play back-to-back games against the Detroit Pistons.
The two teams tip off the weekend set at the Fieldhouse on Friday night before schlepping to the Palace to wrap up the mini-series. In the tight Eastern Conference race, there is no room for slippage so the Pacers have to keep defending their home court like they did on Wednesday against the Knicks.
Speaking of home court advantage, an interesting addition to the Fieldhouse for a possible playoff matchup with the Miami Heat came through Twitter yesterday.
Local legend Mike Epps had a genius idea to tweak the Miami Heat by inviting Lil' Wayne to jump on the blue and gold bandwagon. I like the thought of a playoff game against the Heat with Weezy sitting next to Epps in the baseline courtside seats to flash a knowing smile at Chris Bosh all game long. Here's the backstory.
INDIANA IS ON HEATS ASS @pacers GOT A SPOT FOR @lilwayne ON THE BAND WAGON
— Mike Epps (@TheRealMikeEpps) February 22, 2013
Not only would the sideshow add a little juice to the game, but also draw more attention to the Fieldhouse for the Pacers which is always a good thing. As recently as last year, I would advise against the Pacers antagonizing a team like the Heat any more than necessary but the Pacers aren't backing down from any challenges these days, making trips to the Fieldhouse no fun for opponents.
Check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers vs Pistons | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Stephenson wasn’t out to impress Knicks | Pacers.com
Pacers Sweep East Contenders Miami and New York at Home | Pacers.com
Pacers-Knicks rivalry not back, but it’s percolating | 1070 The Fan – Opinion & Analysis
P.S., Indianapolis: That Was For You | Punchnels
Twitter Reacts: Trade Deadline Day 2013 " NBA.com | Hang Time Blog
NBA Trade Deadline Analysis: Bucks, Celtics, Mavericks big winners - Sheridanhoops.com
Celtics rumors: D.J. White interests Boston - SBNation.com
Was this trade deadline the worst ever? | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports
Bobcats trade F Warrick to Magic for F McRoberts - AP
NBA trade deadline: Winners and losers - The Point Forward - SI.com