Pacers' Hibbert returns from 4-game absence Tuesday

The Indiana Pacers are almost healthy. It feels weird.

After getting a bevy of bodies back last week, the team is set to welcome Roy Hibbert back to the lineup Tuesday following a four-game absence. 

Hibbert has been sidelined since Nov. 22 with a sprained left ankle, but the team announced Tuesday he is expected to suit up - even listing him among their starters.

That will leave the Pacers with just George Hill and Paul George on the shelf; a far cry from just one week ago, when they were so injury-riddled they were granted a Hardship Exception to add an extra body.

The Pacers have hung in surprisingly well despite their tough luck, standing at 7-10 and ranking as the league's No. 10 defense. Hibbert helps a great deal on the defensive end, but the Pacers managed a 2-2 stretch with their Defensive Player of the Year candidate sidelined. On the season, though, the Pacers' defense is 4.9 points per 100 possessions better with Hibbert manning the two-nine.

In 13 games, the two-time All-Star is averaging 13.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks while shooting 47 percent from the floor.