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It's a post-Thanksgiving miracle! There is finally some good news on the injury front. Normally presents are reserved for Christmas, but the Indiana Pacers will get a few gifts a bit early this year The team is reporting that both David West, and C.J. Watson will play tonight against the Orlando Magic.
Coach Vogel reports after today's shootaround that David West will be in the starting lineup tonight. pic.twitter.com/2d83rDewGc
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) November 28, 2014
Frank Vogel says David West and C.J. Watson will make season debut tonight for #Pacers. Roy Hibbert still out.
— Wheat Hotchkiss (@Wheat_Hotchkiss) November 28, 2014
It will be the season debut for both players, and it is certainly great news for the Pacers and Pacers fans. The team has stayed afloat with guts and guile (and defense), but the return of a primary scoring option in West is much needed for a squad ranked 24th in offensive rating. Watson's outside shooting off the bench will also help.
At 6 and 9 they are only a half game out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, having beaten quality teams such as the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, and Chicago Bulls.
The arrival of West and Watson means A.J. Price's time in Indiana is over. He was waived to make room for their return. Price averaged 10.5 points, and 2.7 assists with a PER of 18.25 in 10 games with the Pacers. He gave Indiana exactly what they needed.
The #Pacers have waived guard A.J. Price: http://t.co/qXZfHBtuZw pic.twitter.com/5Hd2BXIzsl
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) November 28, 2014
Unfortunately Roy Hibbert is still out with his sprained left ankle. Getting Hibbert and George Hill back sooner rather than later should keep them in contention for a playoff spot many did not think was possible a few weeks ago. The Pacers take on the Magic tonight at 8:00 PM in Bankers Life Fieldhouse.