VISITING
THE SKINNY
The Pacers matched Houston in nearly every category, but didn't shoot well enough to edge them out. The defense gave up many open looks, and Roy Hibbert was absent for the last minutes of the game. The Pacers have given up two close contests at home, and need to find their mojo against the superstar-less Cavaliers.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison's assist average has dwindled down to 4 a game. Luckily, Mo Williams is at an equally mediocre 4.6 per game. Additionally, Collison shoots superior percentages for more points. Their stats suggest that they are similar players, but Collison is more likely to pass first, while Williams is a scoring PG who can light up the scoreboard.
Shooting Guard
Mike Dunleavy has been picking up his shooting game, but it wasn't enough against Houston. The veteran guard is right near his career percentages for the season. Anthony Parker is shooting 61% from long distance. Dunleavy has to contend with Parker and a number of quick point guards who play the 2 for Cleveland.
Small Forward
Danny Granger is due for some big offensive team-lifting games. His season-high was away at Charlotte, so maybe another away game will get his competitive fire kindled. Jamario Moon can bounce, but he cannot fill the void Lebron James left. Danny Granger can have a great game on both ends of the floor if he seizes the opportunity.
Power Forward
Josh McRoberts' lack of offensive rhythm makes the decision to keep him in late in the game against Houston even more baffling. He needs to show composure and match up with JJ Hickson well, or this could be a bad game. The area where he needs to dominate is on the boards.
Center
The Cavaliers lack a trues starting center, so Hibbert could have a gigantic offensive game. Of course, with Yao Ming out, Jim O'Brien opted to give the Rockets a break by playing small. Anderson Varejao is a smart player who makes the best out of his talents, so the Pacers frontcourt needs to always put a body on him and hustle to the boards.
THE BENCH
Rush did a good job defending the wings of Houston, but the whistle blew for him on many occasions, from turnovers to fouls. Ramon Sessions is a player that has dropped big numbers on the Pacers, and the same can be said for Gibson and Jamison. TJ Ford may be called upon more if Collison isn't getting the offense to move enough. Tyler Hansbrough can have a positive impact with his activity.
THE COACHES
At this point, 50% of the time I wish the other guy was our coach. However, Jim O'Brien is a statistically significant coach who likes his various statistics. His cerebral approach and his rigid demands to adhere to the offense results in interesting finishing lineups. Perhaps the starting lineup has been consistent for the Pacers, but the finishing lineup is just as fluid as it has been.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Jeff Foster - Ankle: Out, but he's coming back soon.
Cavaliers
Mo Williams - Hip: Questionable.
Anderson Varejao - Ribs: Questionable.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Keep the ball moving. The offense works best when people are aware of the open man and who to get the ball to. The Cavaliers enjoy a slower pace. Take them out of their comfort zone.
-Bottle up the PG's. Mo Will, Boobie, and Sessions can all get hot.
-Box out Jamison and Varejao. If executed successfully, the Pacers should have the advantage on the boards.
THE TRADITION
Sorry, I was thinking about Boobie Gibson, then just Boobie.
