Stojakovic expected to debut in Indiana uniform vs. Wizards

Stojakovic was acquired from the Sacramento Kings last Wednesday for disgruntled forward Ron Artest. However, the three-time All-Star watched in street clothes on Friday as his new team was edged by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, 93-89, at Conseco Fieldhouse.

Danny Granger poured in a career-high 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while Fred Jones contributed 20 points and Sarunas Jasikevicius netted 14, both off the bench.

Stephen Jackson also tallied 14 points and David Harrison added 10 points in Indiana’s fifth consecutive setback, which dropped them to .500 for the first time this season.

A loss tonight would give the Pacers their first six-game slide since January 22-February 2, 2005.

On the injury front guard Jamaal Tinsley (elbow) is expected to miss tonight’s tilt, while forward Jeff Foster (back) is questionable. Jermaine O’Neal (groin) is also on the shelf for the next two months.

Indiana, which will begin a seven-game homestand after tonight’s contest, has lost 11 of 14 on the road and is 9-14 away from home this season.

Washington, meanwhile, comes in on a winning note after Gilbert Arenas scored 34 points and missed just one of his 14 free throws to lead the Wizards to a 107-97 home-victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.

Antawn Jamison had 23 points on 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, and pulled down 13 rebounds, and Jared Jeffries contributed 10 points and eight rebounds for the Wizards, who have won two of their last three games.

Washington, which will be closing a two-game homestand tonight, is 12-9 in its arena this season.

Indiana has split its two matchups with the Wizards this season and has won three of four and five of the last nine meetings. The Pacers have also won two of three and nine of 14 in Washington.