INDIANAPOLIS -- Pacers forward Johnny Furphy was assigned to the Noblesville Boom on Saturday according to Pacers social media post. That's a sign he may be close to a return from a left ankle sprain that has kept him out since he suffered the injury in the Pacers' Nov. 3 loss to Milwaukee.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Monday in his pre-game press conference before the Pacers' game against the Pistons that Furphy is increasing on-floor activity and could return some time in the next two weeks. This move suggests it could be a little more accelerated. It obviously suggests that Furphy will not be available for Saturday night's game against the Bulls, but he could be on the floor Sunday to play in the Boom's 3 p.m. home game against the Wisconsin Herd.

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