Royce White: What black athletes can do to leverage their societal position is even less complex. Many of these lukewarm centrists want to use leverage as a noun. But leverage is one of those unique words that does not exist without action. In that way leverage is the perfect reflection of what is needed now. Leverage is a verb, it requires use. If one doesn’t use their leverage, it simply does not exist in a real way. Anybody saying athletes should return to play in order to “leverage” their celebrity so they can speak about these issues on some “larger platform” does not understand the gravity of this moment. They don’t understand the call to social duty. As you and many others have recently voiced, our activism can no longer take shape as these infertile awareness campaigns. Everybody is aware, they’ve been aware. This time, only action will suffice.
January 16, 2021 | 7:27 pm EST Update

Law Murray: On availability, Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard explains that the discovery of Caris LeVert’s condition doesn’t get discovered without the physical that comes with a trade
Eric Woodyard: Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard on status of Caris LeVert: “As soon as we found this out, all eyes were trying to help Caris.” Pritchard says he has a magnetic personality. “This organization is going to step up,” he said. No timetable on his return.

Cayleigh Griffin: I asked Coach Silas pregame if there’s any hesitation sending his two way players to the G League Bubble in Orlando next month, with the situation we have tonight (8 available players). He said, in short, yes. But he’s hopeful they won’t have this many injuries moving forward…

Marc J. Spears: Hawks say Danilo Gallinari (right ankle sprain on Dec. 30) has progressed to half-court individual workouts and will now be re-introduced to contact activity. He will be listed as doubtful for Monday’s game vs. Minnesota.

Ira Winderman: Sounds like Herro will be back Monday. Spoelstra, “It just didn’t loosen up yesterday and that was to be expected. We think another day would be good for him.”