Points in the Paint

Philadelphia, PA (Basketball News) - The Indiana Pacers will get a big lift when swingman Stephen Jackson returns to the lineup on January 26th against the Boston Celtics at the FleetCenter.

Jackson was a major participant in the disgraceful events that took place during November 19th’s Pistons/Pacers game at The Palace of Auburn Hills. He has served his 30-game suspension that was handed down by NBA Commissioner David Stern, as Jackson was not available during Indiana’s loss on January 22nd against the Washington Wizards at Conseco Fieldhouse. The Pacers loss to Washington was Indiana’s 30th contest since the brawl at Detroit.

The Pacers are 13-17 since November 19th. Indiana is 20-19 and is still in position to win the Central Division. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons are currently ahead of the Pacers in the Central.

The 26-year-old Jackson was the one significant addition to the Indiana roster last offseason. The 6-8 Jackson, who can play shooting guard or small forward and is also solid defensively, was acquired in July from the Atlanta Hawks in a sign-and trade deal for forward Al Harrington. Jackson, who is a deadly shooter from beyond the arc gives Indiana championship experience as he won a championship ring with the San Antonio Spurs in 2002-03.

"When you talk to Stephen, he talks more about winning than he does minutes or points and that’s what’s most impressive about the young man," said team President Larry Bird after acquiring Jackson. "He’s been very successful in his career in the NBA. He played on a championship team and he’s looking forward to having another opportunity to do that."

In just nine games this season for the Pacers, Jackson has averaged 15.3 points, five rebounds and three assists in 38-plus minutes of action. Without Artest, who was suspended for the rest of the season for his actions on November 19th, the Pacers will look to Jackson to pickup his scoring production. Jackson will become Indiana’s second scoring option behind All- Star forward Jermaine O’Neal.

Last season, Jackson led the Hawks in scoring (18.1 ppg) and also grabbed 4.6 rebounds to go along with 3.1 assists in 80 games. Indiana hopes that the former Hawk, Net and Spur can raise his scoring average back to that point on a consistent basis.

A serious threat from anywhere on the court, Jackson is capable of scoring in bunches. Before his suspension, the 6-8 swingman was shooting just 41.7 percent from the field, but he had knocked down a solid 37.2 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.

Jackson should be able to team up with O’Neal to give the Pacers a nice inside-outside combination. With Jackson back on the court, O’Neal should also be able to get a little more space down low, as Indiana’s opponents will have to be aware of where Jackson is at all times.

Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle has to be thrilled to get Jackson back in the lineup. Not only will Jackson help offensively, but he should give the Pacers a big boost defensively and he will also give Carlisle the opportunity to create matchup problems for Indiana’s opponents.

The Pacers were able to stay above water since November 19th. With the return of Jackson, Indiana should become a much more dangerous team and could start to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.