Myles Turner returns to practice for Pacers, ruled out of preseason opener against Pelicans

The Indiana Pacers' 50th season will see its first game action on Tuesday, when the Pacers open preseason play against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. While the game itself will likely see an abundance of rust from both teams, it should also be less contentious than last year's preseason opener, when the emerging notes were of Paul George's frustration with playing power forward after seeing Anthony Davis up close and personal.

That won't be the case this year, but while it will be the first taste of Pacers basketball, it will be a bit longer before fans get to see the full force of the Pacers squad as they're expected to be a bit shorthanded tomorrow night. The good news is that Myles Turner was able to return to practice today, but will be out for the preseason opener as he awaits clearance from the league's concussion protocol.

Turner's return appears inevitable, but he will be joined on the bench tomorrow by Jeremy Evans, who continues to rehab his right shoulder. This is expected to move Kevin Seraphin into the starting lineup to play alongside Thaddeus Young and George in the front court. There will also be a chance to see how the Monta Ellis/Jeff Teague backcourt will function.

Aaron Brooks meanwhile is questionable for the game sat out practice today with a bandaged right knee. This will create opportunity for Joe Young to get run with the second unit. Rakeem Christmas is also listed on the injury report as questionable with a sore right knee.