THE SKINNY
The Pacers have had a terrible December and the skid has carried into the new year with a tough loss late against the Knicks in New York. Instead of gaining ground in the playoff race on the 6th seed, they instead fall closer to the 8th. With lineup inconsistencies starting to creep into the routine and rotational confusion becoming a concern for the players, the Pacers need to regain some stability and rebound from the slew of disappointing performances of late, both individually and as a team.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison has averaged 8 assists as a starter against the Spurs, and has put in big points over San Antonio when given free reign. However, he has not played a game against San Antonio where he is adhering strictly to the O'Brien offense. During the season opener loss against San Antonio, the young point guard proved why he was the point guard of the future. Unfortunately, the 7 assists he accrued in that game have yet to be surpassed this season, whereas he passed that mark 24 times as a rookie. Tony Parker is leading the Spurs in field goal percentage, and has been a backbreaker for many defenses.
Shooting Guard
Mike Dunleavy has been quiet of late, with only 7 points over the last two games. He needs to get going as a threat if the Pacers have any hope of beating the Spurs defense, even if it isn't the same defense of two years ago. Manu Ginobili is leading the Spurs in scoring, and he is still an extremely productive player. Brandon Rush and Paul George could see more minutes if Dunleavy isn't getting it done on defense.
Small Forward
Danny Granger continues to skid. If his shooting doesn't improve, he will go from an underrated star to overpaid chucker. His defense will be needed against Richard Jefferson, but it's more important that he challenge the Spurs defense. He needs to finish strong ad not depend on the whistle to bail him out. His perimeter passing is better, but he also needs to try improve his passes into the post and out of drives. Defenses are figuring him out and the best way to improve his efficacy as a scoring threat is to add passing to the mix.
Power Forward
Tyler Hansbrough is getting his first starting nod of the season, due to his willingness to draw fouls and his rebounding prowess, both areas the Pacers are devastatingly horrible in. He will also get physical with Duncan in the post, and won't back down. The danger is that he gets into foul trouble. This will be the key matchup. If Tyler performs well, perhaps it will make the coach rethink his switch to go smaller.
Center
Roy Hibbert was relegated to the bench for the game against the Knicks, which the dumbest **** move I have ever seen out of that stupid **** O'Brien. Luckily he's back and hopefully motivated to kill somebody (figuratively) instead of discouraged. He should try to avoid jumpers and just power and spin and finesse around the basket to score efficiently and draw fouls.
THE BENCH
The deep Spurs bench will be a challenge, but if Brandon Rush and Josh McRoberts play to their fullest, they can beat out George Hill and Tiago Splitter. Rush is shooting the 3 very efficiently, and he is also averaging double-figures, despite coming off the bench.
THE COACHES
I could put a picture of Saddam and Mother Theresa together and they would have more in common than these two guys. The guy on the left is a smart guy with dumb ideas, carting around the polished turd headless chicken **** offense. The guy on the right has the best record in the NBA.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
None.
Spurs
Tony Parker - Sniffles: Maybe.
James Anderson - Foot: Out.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Stop the Spurs on the perimeter. Parker and Ginobili and Hil off the bench present speedy threats to space the floor. The Pacers have to match or get burned.
-Stop sucking.
THE TRADITION
