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Kings try to overcome Artest distraction, host Pacers

Mar 6, 2007 - 5:17 PM Indiana (29-29) at Sacramento (27-32) 10:00 pm EST

SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) - Ron Artest won't be at Arco Arena on Tuesday night to catch up on old times with his former teammates.

In yet another incident illustrating his troublesome nature, Artest was excused indefinitely from team activity after Monday's arrest on felony domestic violence charges. That means the Sacramento Kings will have to take on the Indiana Pacers without their best all-around player.

Artest had 23 points and nine rebounds in Saturday's 104-96 victory over Portland. His stats Monday were far more telling - one 911 call, two violence charges, several hours of incarceration and a bail posting of $50,000.

During his time with the Pacers, Artest was an All-Star and the Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. He also triggered the infamous brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills in November 2004 and publicly requested a trade just over a year later.

The Kings will miss Artest's 18.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists and may rely more heavily on guard Kevin Martin. The Western Conference Player of the Week scored 33 points on 11-of-19 shooting vs. Portland and has been Sacramento's most reliable player this season.

Sacramento has won three straight games and four of five to creep within 1 1/2 games of the final playoff berth in the West. The Kings have not missed the postseason since 1998.

The behavior of Artest is no longer a problem for Indiana, which has other mounting issues. The Pacers have lost five straight games, including Saturday's 87-64 setback to the Los Angeles Clippers in which they were held to a season low.

Indiana has not missed the playoffs since 1997. It is seventh in the East, one-half game behind Miiami and two in front of Orlando.