Stanley Johnson out against Pacers with hip flexor

Stanley Johnson will not play tonight against the Indiana Pacers, according to head coach Stan Van Gundy.

Johnson has been nursing a sore hip and was forced out of the game early against the Sacramento Kings. There was hope that with three days between games he would be good to go, but apparently the team isn't willing to risk putting him.out on the floor.

This is the benefit of having a deep roster, at least at the wings, and a lot of players fighting for playing time.

In Johnson's absence the small forward duties will likely fall to Reggie Bullock, who is still looking to find his groove on offense but has provided spirited defense in his limited time on the floor.

Reserve minutes will likely be shared among Luke Kennard and Langston Galloway (in small ball lineups) or Tobias Harris if SVG wants to find more minutes at power forward for Anthony Tolliver.

With Jon Leuer also still out with an ankle injury it is more likely the Pistons go small. Of course, the Pacers might have a small say in the matter.