West, Watson to make season debuts vs Magic

The Pacers received a long-awaited gift after the Thanksgiving holiday in the form of two players back in the lineup.

The team’s backbone, David West, along with reserve point guard C.J. Watson will suit up for the first time this season when the Pacers tip off against the Orlando Magic Friday night (8 p.m.) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Two-thirds of the Pacers’ injury corner return to the basketball floor Friday.

West suffered what he called “a tough, tough, sprain” to his right ankle in the Pacers’ preseason win over Dallas on October 18th.

“He’s been eager to get out there for quite some time,” Pacers coach Frank Vogel said pregame. “He’s not a guy that likes to miss games. From the day he sprained his ankle, he’s been eager to get back out there. To be this close, I’m sure he’s even more eager.”

Beyond his production – West averaged 14 points, 6.8 rebounds per game – Vogel said West returning to the floor raises the team’s experience and intellect.

“I think we get smarter when he’s out there,” said Vogel. “He’s the middle linebacker on the defensive end, a great facilitator, a great guy to play through on the offensive end. And, obviously, we can dump it down to him in the post to give us that dynamic.”

Luis Scola will back West up, and Lavoy Allen will backup Ian Mahinmi as Roy Hibbert (sprained left ankle) remains out. Vogel says there is a chance Hibbert could play Saturday night in Cleveland.

Meanwhile, Watson has been out the longest of the other three on the injury report (and excluding Paul George). At the end of their first week of practices, which includes some two-a-days, Watson injured his ankle when he collided with a teammate (on Oct. 4th). He missed the entire preseason with a sore right foot, was in a boot, and is thrilled to finally get back out there.

He has gone through a couple of practices, albeit short ones, so they’ll keep an eye on his conditioning. Watson will backup starter Donald Sloan for the time being.

Vogel said he wasn’t sure how long he’d play West and Watson, and it was depend on how they looked. It will be at least a few games for them to feel completely comfortable and to be in game shape.

Last season, Pacers players missed a combined 69 games. So far this season, through just 15 games, that total has now reached 76 games.