TJ Leaf scored 18 points in the fourth quarter of the Pacers' preseason victory at Cleveland on Friday, so, naturally, he's been promoted to the starting lineup.
Only literally, though. And only temporarily, too.
Leaf will start in Monday's game at Detroit, as coach Nate McMillan rests four of his starters and takes a longer look at some of his non-starters. Leaf will be joined by starting point guard Darren Collison, veteran center Al Jefferson and two others against the Pistons. Victor Oladipo, Bojan Bogdanovic, Thad Young and Myles Turner will sit out, but the starting lineup will be intact again for Tuesday's final game against Maccabi Haifa at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.