Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
There’s an old adage around the Midwest about the weather in Indiana and its surrounding states. The classic statement says that if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes, and it will change. Those words have never been more true around the Indiana area then they are right now.
The temperature and forecast for Indianapolis has fluctuated drastically over the last few days. The circle city went from being covered in snow, to being drenched by rain, in less than two days. Temperatures went from 60 degrees on one day, to 20 degrees the next, with flood conditions all over the state. Not only has this unexpected hodgepodge of Mother Nature hurt travel around the city, it has also affected the severity of sickness. On top of everything else, a winter flu has swept over the state, effecting Hoosiers from all around. Even the state’s sports teams are no immune to the bug that is biting their city and state.
Aside from the injuries that have been issues for the Indiana Pacers all season, it seems that the flu has crept into the locker room at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, as well. Paul George, who has been dynamic all season, was sidelined last weekend, due to flu conditions. George missed a home game on Saturday due to the illness, and was allowed to remain at home after the game, as the rest of the team headed to Brooklyn, for the second night of a back-to-back. George was allowed to make his own way to New York, and he did return for Sunday’s game.
Indiana lost against the Brooklyn Nets, breaking a four-game winning streak. George fought diligently, playing for over 35 minutes, but only hitting six of his eighteen shots. The entire team looked sluggish, giving up a 12-point lead in the 3rd quarter, on their way to a big conference loss. The Pacers have battled through injuries and illness all year, but they will have to find a way to get past those hurdles, if they want to prosper in the postseason.
