Ian Mahinmi went through shootaround and plans to play in Game 3 against the Toronto Raptors Thursday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
“I’m good,” he said. “I went through shootaround. I’m good to go tonight.”
Pacers coach Frank Vogel added, “We’re hopeful. Still listed as questionable but we hope he plays.”
Story from Wednesday: Mahinmi held out of practice, still wants to play Thursday
Ian Mahinmi is having the best season of his career, but it hasn’t been easy.
Mahinmi is dealing with lower back soreness that dates back to November. It will be something that he has manage until the offseason, when he can address is properly. Surgery is not required, he said Wednesday.
The Pacers starting center has been limited to 38 minutes total in the first two games, both because of this back injury and foul trouble. But the team needs him and the other bigs, along with help from the guards, to keep Raptors starting center Jonas Valanciunas (17.5 points and 17 rebounds per game) from owning the paint like he has in the first two games.
I asked Mahinmi Thursday if, after behind held out of practice on Wednesday and only shooting free throws, he had any doubt about being available to play in Game 3.
“Yesterday I already had my mind set on playing anyways,” he replied. “Today I felt better, I went through shootaround, so it’s a go for me tonight.”
Despite taking on a larger role this season and posting career-best numbers (9.3 rebounds and 7.1 rebounds per game), he’s dealt with an injury since the beginning of the season.
From February: Ian Mahinmi opens up on his injuries: ‘It’s been one of the toughest years for me’