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The Pacers take another step toward the regular season on Tuesday with their first preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
There were a handful of NBA preseason games on Monday night with some action of note.
For starters, Evan Turner took over shared point guard duties for the Celtics with Rajon Rondo on the sidelines. Turner raised the hopes throughout New England with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. He even made his only three-point shot. Surely Turner won't suddenly start playing like a young Penny Hardaway, will he? If I'm Boston, I'd still add a coat of paint the the front iron of the rims at TD Garden.
In Chicago, Bulls fans started making plans for the Finals after Derrick Rose opened the game with a rebound and floating finish at the other end. Rose scored 11 points in only 14 minutes. The Wizards won the game and enganged the Bulls in some chippy play with Paul Pierce poking Joakim Noah in the forehead before retreating behind teammates.This should be a fun matchup to follow all season and into the playoffs, you know, just in case the Pacers aren't in the playoffs.
Eric Gordon started and played 25 minutes for the Pelicans without incident. Always good to see the former IU and North Central guard actually on the court. Kobe Bryant also played about 20 minutes for the Lakers alongside Steve Nash. Those guys are in old-man-game mode but they will always find a way to compete if they can also find a way to stay on the court.
Here are a few links of interest:
Game Preview: Pacers vs Timberwolves (Preseason) | Indiana Pacers
Pacers Unveil A New Look | Indiana Pacers
5 burning questions on the Pacers as the preseason begins
Minnesota Timberwolves' young players getting plenty of preseason court time | FOX Sports
Marquis Daniels Exploring NBA Coaching Career | Basketball Insiders | NBA Rumors And Basketball News
Son of Indiana Pacers star Rik Smits commits to the Crusaders