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Victor Oladipo to play in Pacers' bubble debut vs. 76ers

Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo is in the lineup for his team’s NBA bubble debut Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Head coach Nate McMillan made the announcement Saturday afternoon.

“He is in the lineup,” McMillan told reporters. “He’ll be starting tonight. So yes, he’s playing and ready to go.”

Oladipo’s status has been in flux

Oladipo’s status for bubble play has been fluid since the NBA announced plans to resume play amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Oladipo returned to the lineup for 13 games before the COVID-19 shutdown after recovering from a ruptured quad tendon suffered 36 games into last season.

Indiana Pacers' Victor Oladipo (4) dribbles during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, in Indianapolis. Toronto won 115-106. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana Pacers' Victor Oladipo (4) dribbles during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, in Indianapolis. Toronto won 115-106. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Oladipo initially said that he planned to opt out of bubble play to continue rehabbing his quad, but he showed up in the bubble with his teammates to practice amid reports on July 13 that he intended to play.

A two-time All-Star, Oladipo is a significant boost to Indiana’s lineup. Though he was well of his All-Star form in his return to the lineup this season as he averaged 13.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and three assists while shooting 39.1 percent from the floor.

Oladipo’s return is also muted by the absence of All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis, who left the bubble last week after suffering what was reported as a “significant foot injury.”

The Pacers start bubble play in fifth place in the East.

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