According to the Associated Press, Indiana Pacers starting guard Darren Collison “expects to play” in game three of the Pacers-Bulls series. Collison suffered a sprained ankle in the second quarter of Monday’s game, and missed the rest of the game. Collison recorded 17 points and 9 assists in game one, and recorded eight points and two assists in his 15 minutes of play in game two.
Pacers coach Frank Vogel said he is approaching game three as if Collison won’t play, which would be a huge loss for the Pacers. Collison isn’t nearly as good as Derrick Rose, obviously, but his speed and shooting range has forced Rose to work on defense, which is a big advantage for the Pacers. The Pacers are down 2-o, and game three is a virtual must-win for them. It will be hard enough for them to come back with Collison in the lineup; without him, it will be nearly impossible.