Danny Granger injury: Pacers F to make season debut vs. Pistons, according to report

Michael Hickey-US PRESSWIRE

Pacers forward Danny Granger will return from a knee injury against the Pistons on Saturday night.

Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger is expected to make his season debut on Saturday against the Detroit Pistons, according to Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star. He won't be starting even if does play, CBS Sports' Ken Berger adds, making it potentially his first appearance off the bench since the 2008-2009 season.

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Granger has missed the entire season thus far with a left knee injury. The Pacers have had an excellent year despite his absence, posting a 34-21 record, which leads the Central Division and is good for second in the Eastern Conference behind the Miami Heat.

While Indiana has played well this season, they certainly could use Granger's scoring ability. The Pacers are just 24th in the NBA in scoring, putting up 93.8 points per game. Granger has led the team in scoring the last five seasons, averaging 18.7 points on 41.6 percent shooting overall and 38.1 percent from three last year.

Perhaps the most interesting thing to watch will be the dynamic between Granger and All-Star Paul George. George became the go-to guy with Granger sidelined, and the 22-year-old took full advantage of the opportunity. If Granger and George can mesh well, the Pacers will be that much more dangerous come playoff time.

Indiana's game on Saturday against Detroit will be the second of a home-and-home between the two teams. The Pacers destroyed the Pistons 114-82 on Friday night in Indianapolis.