INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest was benched for the start of Tuesday's game against New Orleans for missing a practice on Monday night.

Artest missed the workout because he did not return in time from Sunday night's All-Star game in Los Angeles. He was not on the flight that was originally scheduled for him and had to take a later flight.

Artest said he arrived from Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, but did not say why he missed his earlier flight.

Al Harrington started in his place. Artest entered the game with 5:37 to play in the first quarter.

It is the third time Artest has been benched this season.

Artest was benched for the second half of a game against New Jersey on Dec. 27 for what coach Rick Carlisle called ``conduct detrimental to winning.'' He was also taken out of the starting lineup the following game against Memphis for missing the morning shootaround.

Artest was suspended for 12 games last season for his conduct on the court, but has been a much more mature player during his All-Star first half of the season. He was chosen as a captain, along with Jermaine O'Neal and Reggie Miller, during the All-Star break.