Indiana Pacers center David Harrison had just finished his pregame workout Monday when coach Rick Carlisle came around the corner and called him into his office.
 
Harrison didn't know what to expect. He was under the impression he would dress but be planted in his seat (which he has nicknamed "Roger") on the bench for Monday's game against Seattle.

Harrison returned to the locker room several minutes later with a blank stare.

"I'm starting," he said.

Harrison, starting for the ill Jermaine O'Neal, made the best of the opportunity, finishing with 11 points, four rebounds and just two fouls in 24 minutes of the Pacers' 115-96 victory.

The Pacers need that type of performance again because O'Neal is doubtful for tonight's game at Denver and is questionable for Thursday at Golden State.

"It was very important that he played well for a lot of reasons," Carlisle said Tuesday. "He's worked really hard this year and approached his job in a very serious way. It's been tough for him at times because of matchups and other things. This was something hopefully he can build on. As a team right now we need what he can give us. We need his size, his ability to help us out in the low post and do some things on the defensive end."