David

Harrison

Jonathan Bender is hopeful for the game. The Pacers need all able bodies since Reggie Miller, Jermaine O’Neal and Jeff Foster will all be sidelined. Coach Rick Carlisle projects a starting lineup of Jamaal Tinsley and Stephen Jackson in the backcourt, with Ron Artest, Austin Croshere and Scot Pollard across the front line.

Even when Scot Pollard and Jeff Foster come back from injuries (Pollard hopes to play on Tuesday), Harrison will have a major role with the Pacers because of all the suspensions. He’s worth adding as a reserve center in most leagues.

The Pacers are already shorthanded in the middle. Scot Pollard may be forced into duty.

It is unknown if he’ll play in Friday’s game against Phoenix or Saturday against the Magic. It’s probably best to just bench him until you see him play again.

Instead, Harrison will come off the IL when he regains his conditioning.

Coach Rick Carlisle said Harrison is more likely to return for Wednesday’s game at Boston.

“He’s just getting back on the court and working out for 30 minutes now,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “We’re sensing that this is going to be awhile longer.”

Harrison left Saturday’s game with back spasms.

Harrison will likely be unable to take part in basketball activities for a few weeks. He should be fine for camp.

Harrison is now signed through the 2007-2008 season and if the Pacers didn’t pick up his option, he could have become an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season. Harrison’s name has been floating around in rumors that he’ll be involved in a sign-and-trade deal that would bring Al Harrington to the Pacers in a three-team trade. In other Pacer news, they cut former Notre Dame standout Chris Thomas from their rookie/free agent camp roster on Friday.