THE SKINNY
The Pacers managed to stay with Boston through all of 3 quarters before falling apart in the 4th and failing to slay their 3rd major giant. Now the Pacers are coming off an embarrassing home loss courtesy of the Memphis Grizzlies, and hope to regain their offensive form against the well-rested C's who were defensively manhandled by the Magic.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
In lieu of Rajon Rondo, Darren Collison goes up against Nate Robinson, who is interesting because Krypto-Nate is perhaps the only point guard that is shorter than Collison, faster than Collison, and a higher leaper than Collison. Darren's jumper is very good if he can lift over his opponent, so on offense he shold use his height and he should use his size on defense. Robinson can get hot if you let him run around and make jumpers, so sticking close to him and taking advantage of his turnover-prone tendencies will be key.
Shooting Guard
While he is putting up nice numbers for a 3rd option, Mike Dunleavy's real contribution is on boards and playing without the ball. He needs to improve the consistency of his jumper or the starting job will no longer be his. Ray Allen cannot carry the Boston offense like Paul Pierce can, but if he gets going, the Celtics become nearly impossible to beat. He has had historically big games against the Pacers.
Small Forward
Danny Granger has to take it upon himself to right the ship. With the offense floundering against Memphis, he has to step up against Boston and assert himself by getting to the line. He also has the responsibility of checking Paul Pierce and keeping the Celtics captain from getting on his game. Hopefully Granger remembers what Artest taught him, since Artest is the best Paul Pierce stopper out there.
Power Forward
Kevin Garnett and Josh McRoberts are both high-energy players. The difference is experience, polish, talent, and a bunch of other stuff that should be obvious. McBob needs to defend smart without getting dumb fouls. He should commit to stopping or drawing charges, not try and do something in between. He needs to put a bod on Garnett at all times. It would be best to be chippier against Garnett to frustrate him.
Center
Roy Hibbert has played like garbage the past few games. He's going against Shaquille O'Neal, who despite his age plays solidly for the Celtics. Hibbert needs to get going in order to rise to an all-star level.
THE BENCH
Brandon Rush is still playing solidly off the bench. Unfortunately, the play of TJ Ford and James Posey has been subpar recently. Neither is shooting over 40%. Glen Davis is a strong player. Marquis Daniels, a former Pacer, plays the main wing position for the Celtics.
THE COACHES
Jim O'Brien needs to find a way to get the offense on track. Meanwhile, despite a loss in their last game, the Celtics still hold the top record in the East. The Pacers are dropping too many games at home, and the players and coaches need to figure some stuff out.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
None.
Celtics
Rajon Rondo - Ankle: Probably not.
Delonte West - Wrist: Out.
Kendrick Perkins - Knee: Out.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Get to the line. The Pacers have to start being as aggressive on offense as they are on defense. If no one's scoring from inside, it makes spacing the floor useless.
-Get a new coach. Please.
THE TRADITION
