Pacers Links: Jordan Hill out, Myles Turner set to return against Bulls

Ready or not, Myles Turner is likely to return to game action when the Pacers visit the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night.

Frank Vogel indicated yesterday that if Jordan Hill didn't play (due to a tooth infection requiring a wisdom tooth extraction) then Turner would be pressed into action.

"If he's (Jordan Hill) out then we're gonna have to throw Myles in there," Vogel said. "If Jordan is able to play, I'm not sure if we'll throw Myles out there just yet. But he (Turner) had a good practice today. His rhythm and timing was a little bit off, as is to be expected, a little bit of rust. But he's a big body and an active body out there, so we're excited to see him get back out there."

Later in the day, the Pacers listed Jordan Hill as out for dental work which means Turner is on deck for reserve minutes in Chicago. That would put the rook's return at least two weeks ahead of initial expectations and will eventually add to the rotation gymnastics Vogel has to manage.

Jordan Hill's production continues to trend toward reliable which means, Lavoy Allen would be the big most likely to see his minutes diminish. But as the season wears on, finding time to rest Mahinmi and Jordan Hill will give Lavoy his opportunities.

For his part, Turner is eager and ready to get back in the mix without no worries about his thumb.

"I'm as confident as ever," Turner said. "If Coach throws me out there, I'll be ready to go. I've been watching a lot of film and am out there analyzing every day in practice. It will be different in the game environment, but I feel good."

C.J. Miles didn't practice on Tuesday and is listed as questionable with a sore lower back.

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Check out the links:

Game Preview: Pacers at Bulls | Indiana Pacers

Bound For Chicago, Three Pacers Seek Consistency | Indiana Pacers

Pacers-Bulls Preview - AP

Frustrated Paul George struggles to break out of slump

Bobby Portis' development, Derrick Rose's rhythm key to Bulls' chances

Nikola Mirotic at the 3 is Still Not Good - Blog a Bull

Bulls: Taj Gibson pays no mind to trade rumors | CSN Chicago

Bulls' bench ready 'any given day,' makes good in win over Raptors | CSN Chicago

Bulls' Doug McDermott day to day after MRI on sore right knee - Chicago Tribune

Around the NBA: Cavs, Hawks, Pacers lead Eastern Conference entering New Year - Golden State Of Mind