Danny Granger won’t return Friday

January 28, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Danny Granger (33) warms up before the game against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers’ forward Danny Granger thought he would be back in action Friday. In fact, reports indicated there was a “pretty good chance” the veteran would go Friday.

Unfortunately for Granger and the Pacers, that doesn’t look like it will be the case.

“I don’t like where I’m at with my timing and my rhythm and obviously my conditioning,” Granger told Scott Agnes of Pacers.com. “…I don’t feel like I’m ready yet. I dribbled the ball off my foot a couple times and just things where you haven’t [been] playing. Lost the ball in transition on a pass. My rhythm isn’t there yet.

Despite those problems, Granger does feel he is physically ready to go.

“By all means, I could physically play, easily,” Granger explained. “Like I said, it’s more of a rhythm thing. When you’re playing at those type of speeds, you have to do it for a while to get used to doing it again.”

Granger only played in five games last season because of a patella injury. He returned to the Pacers in the 2013 preseason, but injured his calf and has yet to play in the 2013 regular season.