The Pacers have kept guards T.J. Ford and Brandon Rush on the bench for a majority of the second half in consecutive games.

Ford and Rush, both starters, played a combined 16 minutes in the second half of Indiana's loss to Miami on Friday night.

Mike Wells of Indianapolis Star, who has been monitoring the situation, believes that the team is trying to send a message to the duo.

"I haven't been able to get in any kind of rhythm because I'm not getting the opportunity to stay on the floor," Rush told the Star.