Pacers expect Granger return before All-Star game

Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger could return before the All-Star game. AP

INDIANAPOLIS – Pacers coach Frank Vogel says Danny Granger could be back on the court before the All-Star break in mid-February.

Granger has been out all season with a patellar tendinosis in his left knee, but was cleared to participate in full contact practice for the first time Thursday. Vogel says he worked for 20 minutes in half-court sets.

In early November, the Pacers said Granger could miss up to three months after getting an injection in his injured knee. Granger has been mostly quiet since the announcement.

Vogel did not give a specific target date for Granger’s return but acknowledged he’d like Granger to ”get his feet wet” before the All-Star game Feb. 17 so they can start working him into the lineup. Vogel says Granger is in good physical shape but not game shape.