Pacers big man Lavoy Allen left Thursday’s game against the New York Knicks late in the first half, diagnosed with a sore right knee. After an evaluation at halftime by the team’s medical staff, he was ruled out for the second half.
That goes right along with the Pacers’ storyline for this season. A player begins to make a meaningful contribution on the court, and then is sidelined due to injury. George Hill, David West, C.J. Miles, Rodney Stuckey … the list goes on and on. After Pacers players missed a combined 69 games last season, this year’s number has reached 163 now 48 games in, and counting.
It’s initially unclear exactly what caused the injury.
[Also from Thursday: Scola’s streak of consecutive appearances ends at 277]
“If you need a rebound, Lavoy will get it for you,” Pacers coach Frank Vogel joked during training camp.
He provided a nice jolt Thursday night. The Pacers were plus-12 with Allen on the floor. Playing Luis Scola’s usual minutes, Allen contributed eight points (on 4-of-5 shooting), and five rebounds in 9:24 off the bench.
Allen did not speak with reporters after the game.
The Pacers’ next game is on Saturday at Bankers Life Fieldhouse against the Sacramento Kings.