The Eastern Conference Finals will kick off today but one of the most controversial pieces to the Indiana Pacers championship puzzle will not be available to play. Guard Evan Turner has been ruled out die to strep throat and won’t be able to play in Game 1 against the Miami Heat.
Indiana made the lineup announcement on their official Twitter account and noted that Solomon Hill will be filling in for Turner after his spot on the active roster was made available.
Many have blamed Turner’s existence on the Pacers roster and his acquisition at the trade deadline for the reason Indiana’s chemistry was thrown off. But ever since Andrew Bynum was jettisoned, the Pacers have been playing much better and less attention has been spent on Turner.
This is the series where he will truly either shine or be a detriment to the team, although Game 1 will feature no Evan Turner which may end up being talking point in of itself at the end of the day.