Austin

Croshere

He went scoreless in 14 minutes before leaving.

"(I’m) trying to do some balancing-type things and just kind of test the strength of the ankle,” Croshere said. Hopefully he can get in a good healthy month of activity before Jermaine O’Neal returns from suspension.

He says he’ll be ready to play on Wednesday against the Sixers.

The Pacers still can’t quite get everyone healthy. Anthony Johnson (hamstring) and Fred Jones (flu) have issues of their own, but are expected to play. Croshere owners should hold off activating him, probably until next week.

Croshere was feeling better yesterday until he aggravated the injury in practice. He hopes to play tonight with some form of protection over the area. Despite all the suspensions and injuries, the Pacers still have the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Austin Croshere, who sat out Wednesdays’ game with a fractured right rib, hopes to play Friday in Sacramento. Jamaal Tinsley (bruised left thigh) and Scot Pollard (sore lower back) also could play after sitting out on Wednesday. And Anthony Johnson will come off the suspended list to play in that game. Meanwhile, the Clippers’ luck could be changing. They finish the season 2-0 against the Eastern Conference leaders after getting to play them extremely shorthanded both times.

Croshere missed all six of his first-half field goal attempts, finishing the game 2-of-11, including 0-for-5 on 3-pointers. He was X-rayed at halftime, and started the second half so he wouldn’t get tight sitting on the bench. He didn’t have a problem rebounding, collecting a team-high 12, but won’t be a valuable starter if his injury continues to hinder his shot.

Croshere hopes to be ready for the start of the regular season.

Croshere scored six points with two rebounds and a blocked shot. Coach Rick Carlisle believes he may be ready for more action. Croshere had played just 51 minutes this season before Saturday. He’ll see more time, but it won’t be enough to give him any value.

Croshere has missed the last three games and is running out of time to be of value before Jermaine O’Neal returns.