Chris Duarte to return for Indiana Pacers against Atlanta Hawks, Myles Turner out
After missing the Indiana Pacers last five games with left ankle soreness, young wing Chris Duarte is available tonight for the blue and gold.
The Pacers take on the Atlanta Hawks today as they wrap up a four-game road trip. Duarte has not played since March 13 in Detroit, where he exited a game early as his ankle was bothering him.
Tonight, though, he is available to play. The 25-year old missed over six weeks earlier in the season due to a sprain in the same ankle. He has only played in 45 games this campaign.
Duarte was having a strong month of March prior to the ankle soreness. In six outings this month, he has averaged 10.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while knocking down 43% of his threes. He was effective and showed some improvement compared to his inconsistent play from earlier in the season.
Indiana may need to expand its rotation to find some minutes for the second-year wing if they are interested in giving him playing time. The Pacers have many wing/guard types who are deserving of minutes at this stage in the season.
While Duarte is returning, Myles Turner is going to be out against the Hawks. The big man has missed a few games this season with back soreness, and that is what will hold him out tonight. Indiana played a game less than 24 hours ago in Boston, and Turner had 20 points, but he won't suit up against Atlanta.
The Pacers are 4-8 without the veteran big man this season. Isaiah Jackson or Jalen Smith will start in his absence with the other operating as the backup five.
Indiana is 33-41 this season and in the mix for a play-in tournament spot. They will hope to grab a win in Atlanta, and if Duarte can continue his run of form from earlier in the month, he will help that quest. Not having Turner, however, will hurt.
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