Indiana Pacers point guard Darren Collison is slated to miss the next two-to-three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic left knee surgery, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical.
Collison had previously suffered a bruised left knee, but further testing indicated the issue would need further attention. This would put reserve Cory Joseph at the reins of the point guard position during his absence — an opportunity to relish, as the Pacers are fighting for playoff position during this latter part of the season.
Joseph, who was acquired from the Toronto Raptors this summer, has more modest numbers than Collison, but has helped his cause, proving to be a solid floor general, putting up 7.8 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game. He's been getting solid minutes in the 20s, but those should rise with the absence of the starting point man.
Collison has been invaluable this season, posting averages of 12.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game while shooting close to 50 percent from the field, 43 percent from the 3-point line and 89.5 percent from the stripe — a combo platter of great all-around play.
The Pacers have won six of their last seven games and find themselves in a great position to make the playoffs, in the middle of a tight race between third and eight place — all separated by two games.
Indiana's record of 30-24 puts the team in good position to garner a higher seed, but they will need Joseph at his best for this next stretch, as coach Nate McMillan and the Pacers await for Collison's impending return.
Follow Us
Subscribe