Pacers PG Collison starting vs. Bulls (AP)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)—Pacers point guard Darren Collison(notes) is starting Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against Chicago despite spraining his left ankle in Game 2.

Collison was injured late in the first half on Monday night when he stumbled into a cameraman on the baseline after a drive to the basket.

Pacers interim coach Frank Vogel said Collison was doubtful, but Collison maintained that he expected to play in Thursday’s game. He tested the ankle Thursday morning and was fine. Vogel said he’d replace Collison if he looked slow.

Chicago leads the series 2-0, but Collison’s quickness is one of the main reasons both games have been close. He had 17 points and nine assists in Game 1, and had eight points in Game 2 before the injury.