Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger is out indefinitely with continued soreness in his left knee, a huge setback for last season’s Eastern Conference semifinalists.
A release from the Pacers gave no timetable for Granger’s return and said he will seek a second opinion, after which un update will be provided.
Granger experienced soreness in the knee last season but played through the conference semifinals, where the Pacers held a lead over the Miami Heat but ultimately lost in six games.
In the offseason, Granger underwent blood-platelet treatment. He took part in training camp but did not make his preseason debut until Oct. 23 at Cleveland, collecting nine points and three rebounds in 13 minutes.
Granger also played 22 minutes in Indiana’s preseason finale Friday vs. Chicago and said he felt a sharp pain in the joint after a layup.
Granger led the Pacers in scoring last season at 18.7 points per game. The former All-Star also averaged 5.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range.
The Pacers were considered the favorites to win the Central Division, primarily because the Chicago Bulls are without injured superstar Derrick Rose until around the All-Star break.
Indiana opens Wednesday at Toronto. Options to start in place of Granger include free agent signee Gerald Green or sliding Paul George to small forward with Sam Young or Lance Stephenson playing shooting guard.