Pacers guard Bruce Brown won't play Tuesday in Houston
The team's big offseason signee will miss his second game in a row due to injury after starting in the first 27 games this season.
When Bruce Brown hits the court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for his individual warmup session with assistant coach Jannero Pargo 60 minutes before each game, you know it.
You just have to listen.
The courtside DJ immediately switches from rap to country — and, most often, it’s Luke Combs blasting over the speakers for about four songs.
However, there was no country music before the Pacers’ loss Saturday to the Orlando Magic because Brown did not warm up or play. He was a late scratch and missed his first game this season after playing — and starting — in 27 consecutive games..
“He’s got a knee issue,” head coach Rick Carlisle said after their loss to the Magic. “Something that has been very, very minor so it hasn’t shown up on the (injury) report. Coming off a tough back-to-back and then headed into (Saturday), he had a little more soreness so he was ruled out.
“The hope is that it’s minor and it’s something that can be resolved relatively quickly.”
Brown didn’t play Saturday due to a bone bruise in his right knee and he won’t play Tuesday night in Houston, Carlisle shared on a morning radio interview with “The Wake Up Call with KB & Andy” on 107.5 The Fan in Indianapolis.
The good news: He’s the only Pacer listed on the injury report.
Brown, who signed a two-year deal with the Pacers in July, is averaging 11.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this season. However, he's shooting below 30% from outside this season.
Second-guard Andrew Nembhard will likely start for the second straight game. He had 17 points and five assists in 36 minutes last game, but his play and his impact cannot fully be understood by stats alone.
“He’s terrific,” Carlisle said. “He knows his role and he did it all last year.”
In addition to his reliable defensive play, Nembhard helped alleviate pressure on Tyrese Haliburton. He often brought up the ball and helped them get organized.
The Pacers have dropped back to .500 (14-14) for the first time since the second week of the week. They’ve lost six of their last eight games since the in-season tournament.
Meanwhile, the rebuilding Rockets are 15-12 this season and an impressive 12-2 on their home floor. The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET.
