Pacers' Duarte returns vs. Knicks following 21-game absence

Indiana Pacers wing Chris Duarte returned in Sunday's 109-106 loss to the New York Knicks after missing 21 contests due to a left ankle sprain, finishing with six points in 14 minutes of action.

Duarte exited the Pacers' Nov. 4 contest against the Miami Heat with the injury after playing less than five minutes.

The 25-year-old is averaging 8.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and an assist in nine games this season. Duarte received an All-Rookie second-team nod in 2021-22 after averaging 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and a steal in 55 games.

Indiana went 11-10 with Duarte out of the lineup. The Pacers sit ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 15-16 record.