Players invite explosion victims to Pacers game

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Local basketball stars are inviting residents affected by Saturday night’s explosion to an Indiana Pacers game.

Indiana Fever guard Katie Douglas, WNBA Finals MVP Tamika Catchings and Indiana Pacers player George Hill invited all the residents to Friday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

"We wanted to provide these people with a chance to get away from all they have been dealing with, and if even for just a few hours, enjoy a fun evening. I can't wait to see them and share some hugs,” Catchings said in a news release.

Douglas was born on the south side, where she also currently lives. She said she would be at the game in spirit, but she leaves this week to play basketball in Europe.

Residents invited to the game will also get a voucher for dinner and are invited to a post-game meet and great with Catchings and Hill.

“Like Katie, this is home for me," said Hill. "When you see neighbors in trouble you have to do something. This was so shocking to all of us."