No Granger. No Dunleavy. No playoffs for the Pacers.
The Pacers, who were already a long shot to get the eighth seed, suffered a significant blow when it was announced that All-Star forward Danny Granger will miss 10 days to three weeks with a partial tendon tear in the sole of his right foot, which happened in the second quarter of Wednesday's loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. "That could be short term or long term," president Larry Bird said. "I've had that and it's a tough injury."
Guard Mike Dunleavy might miss the rest of the season because of his knee problem that he had when he was traded from Golden State in 2007. He has played in 18 games this season.
Bird acknowledged that it's going to be difficult for his team to rebound from the loss of its two best players and make the playoffs. The Pacers haven't made the postseason since the 2005-06 season.
"With Mike out and Danny hurt, it's going to be tough, there's no question about it," Bird said. "The one thing is, we're going to get the young kids in and hopefully let them play. Get (forward Josh) McRoberts back, and still be competitive and hope these guys can grow as time goes on."
PACERS 112, TIMBERWOLVES 105: Marquis Daniels scored 24 points to help the Pacers end a 10-game road losing streak. Guard Jarrett Jack and forward Troy Murphy added 18 and 16 points, respectively, for the Pacers, who are trying to make do without Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy. Indiana shot 48 percent from the field, including 53 percent on 3-pointers.
