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Indiana Pacers: Victor Oladipo to play versus Orlando Magic

By Kevin Kaspar

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 3: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 3, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 3: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 3, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Victor Oladipo returns to the court for the Indiana Pacers tonight after missing one game with a bruised knee.

After initially listed on the injury report as “questionable,” the Indiana Pacers report Victor Oladipo will play tonight against the Orlando Magic.

Additionally, head coach Nate McMillan confirmed that Oladipo would return to the starting line up. With Oladipo returning to action, Lance Stephenson returns to his usual role with the second unit.

Oladipo suffered a bone bruised late in the fourth quarter last Friday versus the Toronto Raptors.

The injury caused the Pacers guard to miss Saturday’s game against the Boston Celtics. Oladipo’s veteran presence was sorely missed in that matchup, as the Pacers saw their five-game snapped at the hands of Kyrie Irving and company.

Victor Oladipo had 29 points, nine rebounds, and five assists last Monday in Orlando.

Oladipo is a pleasant surprise for the Indiana Pacers this season as he’s gone from a disappointing return on the Paul George trade to the heart and soul of this new team.

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He is shooting a career-high 46.1% from the field and 44.9% on 3-pointers while averaging 22.8 points a game. Oladipo is playing the most efficient basketball of his career while also being his most productive.

The initial fears that he couldn’t be the driver he was with the Magic or the shooter he was with the Oklahoma City Thunder are replaced with asking just how good he can be. He is potentially an All-Star in the Eastern Conference though some crowding at the guard position may keep him out.

Oladipo is a big reason for the optimism around the Pacers after many assumed this season might end up a joyless march to a playoff spot and first-round exit. This team still may only be destined for that fate, but it certainly is much more fun than expected.

Next: Being thankful for these Indiana Pacers

Tonight’s game against the Magic tips off a 7 p.m.

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