Danny Granger Could Be Out Long Term

"The Indianapolis Star reports that the team will not have MRI results on Danny Granger's bruised heel until Tuesday. The report added that Granger was taken off the team's charter plane in a wheelchair Sunday because his foot was in pain (CBSSports)."

Reports are that Jim O'Brien (still one of my favorite coaches) is preparing to be without Granger for a long time. Granger is one of the most underrated players in the NBA, and it would be a devastating blow to a Pacers team that is already struggling with a 6-12 record. Nothing is confirmed yet, so if you have him on your fantasy team I wouldn't overreact just yet, but definitely something to keep an eye on.

***UPDATE***

It is now being reported that he is expected to miss at least 4-6 weeks.

Granger Wins Most Improved

"Indiana Pacers All-Star forward Danny Granger will cap off his stellar season today when he's named the NBA's Most Improved Player, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation (ESPN)."

Hard to argue with this pick. He had a hell of a season. This year he averages 25.8 ppg, 5.1 rebs, and 2.7 assists, and now is known as one of the better players in the league, and a fantasy steal. Granger will be the third Pacer to win the award, joining Jalen Rose (2000) and Jermaine O'Neal (2002). Too bad the Pacers suck, but they do have some pieces to build on.

Celtics 79 Pacers 95

The Celtics lost a tough one, but I chalk most of this up to an end of an emotional week, which had with them playing back-to-back days, having to travel from Boston to Indiana after 2 home games, and raising of their championship banner. Paul Pierce was really off last night going 3-15, and only 7-12 from the line. Give the Pacers credit, they played really hard. Indiana's Granger lost his two front teeth in the fourth quarter when Paul Pierce fell on him while they were diving on the floor after a loose ball.

Overall the Celtics were just off last night, but I still don't understand how you can play so well against the Bulls, but then fall on your face like this. I guess it really was the traveling, and the end of an extremely emotional week.

-BMack