THE SKINNY
Things don't get easier for the Pacers at Banker's Life Fieldhouse where the feisty Cavaliers come in looking to prove that they are not to be ignored in the Central Division. The Pacers are looking to start the season with three straight, something that hasn't happened since 2007-08 (that team subsequently dropped the next 6 games and never recovered).
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison is coming off a double-double performance against Toronto and is looking much more comfortable running the offense. He'll have a new test against the rookie sensation Kyrie Irving, who, despite not shooting particularly well, is finding teammates and taking care of the ball. Collison can match speed, but his real advantage is his experience. Pick-and-roll play will be a deciding factor.
Shooting Guard
Paul George is emerging as a monster two-way player. His shooting stroke combined wit his ability to deflect and lock down remind people of many great wings that have played the game. He's come on strong from deep, keying the Pacers effort in the first half against Toronto. Anthony Parker is also a sharpshooter, but his role is diminished from last season.
Small Forward
With more post plays being run, Granger can take advantage of his size and strength advantage over the wiry Casspi. Casspi is a dangerous shooter who can heat up, although he is also part of the 20 MPG platoon the Cavaliers are employing as they find their identity.
Power Forward
Many people thought that with the injury, West would begin producing like Antawn Jamison. Considering he is still not at 100%, West's production has been great. One double-double and one game-sealing score against the Raptors have Pacer fans excited about the acquisition.
Center
Roy Hibbert has posted two double-double efforts and shot 6-11 in two consecutive games. The jump in rebounding is something that the Pacers would love to have consistently from the 7-footer, and Varejao will be a great test of that, being a career rebounding specialist. If Hibbert's added strength and improved footwork is for real, then he should be able to post another 8+ rebounding effort tonight.
THE BENCH
If George Hill finds his groove the Pacers will be much harder to stop. Hansbrough supplies great energy off the bench, although his shooting is a little iffy right now. If his jumper and inside shots start falling, he could be in contention for 6th man of the year with his current stats being near the double-double range. This will be a young bench for Cleveland, with another high-profile rookie, Tristan Thompson, coming off the bench.
THE COACHES
Frank Vogel must be pleased about his squad's ability to close out a rallying opponent, but he must also figure out how to get his squad to post more than 40% from the field, a feat that has yet to be accomplished since last year's playoffs. Byron Scott is beginning to figure out his team, coming off a road win against the Pistons.
THE INJURY REPORT
I can't decide which one's better. Let me know.
Pacers
Jeff Foster: Back - Probably not.
Jeff Pendergraph: Knee - Probably not.
Cavs
Semih Erden: Thumb - Out.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Defend and rebound. These two factors have helped the Pacers, but hanging a hat on these factors will make a playoff contender.
-Find the shot. Shooting is a little cold, but Granger can heat up, and the other players who have been shooting well should be looked for.
THE TRADITION
NO MORE COLD SHOOTING!
