Pacers links: Sabonis still not practicing, remains out for Pacers

The Pacers will be without reserve big man, Domantas Sabonis, again on Tuesday when they host the Chicago Bulls and as Nate McMillan explained, when Domas will return remains a mystery.

The Pacers are 1-2 in the last three games without their key sixth man and his absence has been glaring in all three games which saw the Pacers lose the battle on the glass and struggle to scrap for key rebounds and loose balls.

The Pacers are averaging 43 rebounds per game but in the last three that numbers has dropped to 36. But the opponent ORebs are maddening. The excess possessions for their opponents has created a little adversity with the looming list of opponents the Pacers must face throughout March.

The Pacers have been a team that has relied on outworking their opponent regardless of how they matched up talent-wise. They can’t afford to lose that identity without Sabonis available. Everyone has to step in and fill up that gap.

As Mark Montieth reported today, that appeared to be the challenge Nate McMillan directed at his team at practice.

McMillan talked with the players at the end of Monday’s practice for longer than usual. He also waited longer than usual to meet with the media after talking with Thad Young in his office.

”Who are we? That’s the question I asked them today,” McMillan said.

With road games at Milwaukee and Philadelphia this week after playing the Bulls at home, the Pacers will answer that question with or without Sabonis this week.

Check out the links:

Game Preview: Pacers vs Bulls | Indiana Pacers

Game Rewind: Pacers 112, Magic 117 | Indiana Pacers

Pacers Bitten by a Painful Loss | Indiana Pacers

The Ritz, chicken wings, Love and war: 24 hours inside an NBA playoff chase – The Athletic

Magic 117, Pacers 112: The Orlando Magic beat yet another of the East’s elite - Orlando Pinstriped Post

Terrence Ross’ fourth-quarter efforts crucial for Magic - Orlando Sentinel

Tough Week Continues For Pacers In Loss To Magic | WFNI ESPN 107.5 / 1070 The Fan | Indy's SportsCenter

How Pacers executive Peter Dinwiddie rose from ticket office to front office – The Athletic

This is why the Indiana Pacers signed a guy like Kyle O'Quinn

Pacers Need to Regain an Identity | Indiana Pacers