Chris Duarte (ankle) will see action in two G League matches

As part of his rehabilitation, the Dominican joined the Fort Wayne Mad Ants this week.

Out of action with an ankle injury since last November 4, the Indiana Pacers player Chris Duarte He approaches to return to the court.

Since last weekend, the Dominican has been seen on the field prior to his team’s matches, taking some shots and running alone under the supervision of the coaches.

According to manager Rick Carlisle, Duarte practiced this Monday with the team. Fort Wayne Mad Antsthe Pacers’ G League affiliate, and the point guard is expected to play in two development league games during the week.

This would place the second-year player in the Indiana team’s plans in the coming weeks fulfilling the estimated 4-6 week absence period that was offered at the time of his injury diagnosis.

Last month Chris Duarte suffered a left ankle injury in a game against the Miami Heat, which was later diagnosed as a grade 2 sprain and sources informed ESPN at that time that the Dominican would miss several games.

The next two games for the Mad Ants will be this Wednesday, December 14, against the Wisconsin Herd and on Friday the 16th against the same rival, which would open up the opportunity for Duarte to return to the Pacers team, if all goes well, on Sunday. 18 against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden or next Wednesday, December 21 against the Celtics of his compatriot Al Horford.

At the time of his injury, Duarte was in the prime of his second NBA season, coming off scoring 30 points against the Brooklyn Nets.

In the 2022-23 campaign, the Dominican is averaging 8.9 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1 assist per game, shooting 34.2% from the three-point line in 9 games.