Domantas Sabonis has re-entered the bubble in Orlando, but don’t expect him to rejoin the team.
Sabonis, who has been sidelined with plantar fasciitis in his foot, left the bubble on July 17 to rehab his injury.
But with a 3-0 deficit to the Miami Heat and testing that must take place to clear protocol, his season is likely over.
Pacers’ coach Nate McMillan spoke on Sabonis and the likelihood of the 6-11 big man returning.
“He will go into quarantine for a few days, so even though he is here, it will be a few days before we can even see him,” McMillan said on Fox Sports Indiana.
The Pacers were a surprise team in the East this year and Sabonis helped lead the way making his first All-Star game.
The 24-year-old has become one of the better offensive post-players in the league.
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Check out @Dsabonis11's BEST plays from inside the paint for the @Pacers this season so far before NBA Restart begins July 30th!#WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/kxLkzivUDn
— NBA (@NBA) July 19, 2020
Sabonis averaged 18.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and five assists per game this season, and coupled with guard Victor Oladipo, the Pacers have a very bright future.
The Lithuanian showed his versatility on offense and helped carry the load for the Pacers as they dealt with multiple injuries this season.
McMillan has done a good job developing Sabonis and the staff has tailored to his game.
Down 3-0, it makes sense for the team to sit Sabonis for the rest of the season and get him ready for December.
The Pacers will look to avoid a sweep by the Heat Monday inside the bubble.