Indiana Pacers News

Pacers Links: Ian Mahinmi ready to play through pain in Game 5 against Raptors

After a monster Game 4, the Pacers center is ready to return to action in Game 5 while continuing to play through lingering back pain.

By Tom Lewis@IndyCornrows Apr 26, 2016, 7:00am EDT

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Ian Mahinmi put together a podium performance in Game 4 despite lingering lower back soreness, but after watching him try to walk up the three steps and sit down at the podium table 15 minutes after posting 22 and 1, there is no doubt pain is part of the everyday process for the Pacers center.

There are few movements, if any, that don't trigger discomfort when back pain is involved. That's why the Pacers are fortunate to have two full days off between both Game 5 and Game 6. Yet, while the additional treatment time will help Mahinmi, he will continue to play through the pain. As he mentioned on Monday after practice, once he is warmed up and playing on the floor it is just a matter of adjusting to the pain and he has gotten used to playing through that pain.

For the Pacers' sake, he will need to keep playing through the pain at a high level. As we've seen in the past two days with Stephen Curry and Chris Paul, one awkward play can send any player to the sidelines and with a touchy back, Mahinmi is always a risk.

As for some details on Game 5 tonight, the game will start earlier than usual at 6 p.m. ET on TNT. Also, the Pacers will have a viewing party near the Fieldhouse at Kilroy's downtown on the corner of Meridian and Georgia Street. Also, tickets for Game 6 on Friday at the Fieldhouse are on sale.

Editor's Note: SB Nation's partner FanDuel is running a $200,000 fantasy basketball league tonight. It's $2 to enter and first place wins $15,000. Join now!

Plenty of stories from the past couple of days so check out the links:

Game Preview: Pacers at Raptors (Game 5) | Indiana Pacers

Charged Up: Paul George has drawn more offensive fouls than any playoff team - Indy Cornrows

The Growth of Myles Turner - Indy Cornrows

Practice: Ian Mahinmi on His Health, Seeing Some Minutes with Second Unit | Indiana Pacers

Practice: George on Matchup with DeRozan, Preparing for Game 5 | Indiana Pacers

Practice: Coach Vogel on Returning to Air Canada Centre, Winning the Free Throw Battle | Indiana Pacers

Miles Continues To Work and Wait | Indiana Pacers

Doyel: DeMar DeRozan shrinking in matchup with Paul George

Mahinmi, Hill Emerge in Balanced Offense | Indiana Pacers

Pacers expect counterpunch from Raptors | WFNI ESPN 1070 the Fan | Indy's SportsCenter