VISITING
THE SKINNY
It's the first game of the season, and the Pacers have a markedly difficult schedule early. In a span of 15 games, the Pacers are facing 12 playoff teams, including the Lakers, Magic, and Heat. To start the season off right, a win at San Antonio would be a statement to everyone in the league that the Pacers are for real this year.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Tony Parker has been with the Spurs for 9 seasons. When he came in his biggest weapon was his speed. Now he's added a reliable jumper and some solid defense into the mix. Darren Collison faced Parker twice as a starter last season, and averaged 21 points and 8.5 assists while shooting .613 from the field. This is the perfect stage for Collison to shine in his debut.
Shooting Guard
Mike Dunleavy has suffered through injury nightmare, and is now two years removed from his career-best. He looked good in the preseason at .476 from the field and an impressive .429 from deep. He'll have his hands full against one of the most dangerous scorers in the league with Manu Ginobili.
Small Forward
Even though Richard Jefferson struggled in adjusting to the Spurs last season, his skillset still makes him an offensive threat. Danny Granger, coming off a twisted ankle injury, can't fall asleep or fall behind. Granger should attack Jefferson and his less-than-lockdown D instead of opting for jumpers, which plays right into the Spur's rebounding game.
Power Forward
As fresh as he is, Josh McRoberts should be able to give the older Tim Duncan a harder time than Murphy could with his edge in speed and hustle. McRoberts has Tyler Hansbrough nipping at his heels for the starting job, so hopefully this will motivate him to step up his game. When on the road, energy plays are a great way to take the opposing crowd out of game.
Center
The will be a great first test for Roy Hibbert's offseason workouts with Bill Walton. He's got the fiesty, hustle-style rebounder in Blair to contend with and the tall, fundamentally sound Duncan to face. DeJuan Blair will probably guard McBob, with Duncan on Hibbert. A huge key for the Pacers' success this season is Roy Hibbert. If he is the all-star we know he can be, this game will be the place to prove it.
THE BENCH
Tiago Splitter did not play a single preseason game and may be out for this game due to calf injury. With an aging McDyess and Matt Bonner as the other bigs, Hansbrough and Foster are expected to help pick up the rebounding slack. Paul George and George Hill are both young guys with a lot of potential. It will be interesting to see how much Paul George gets played.
AJ Price is the 2nd stringer behind Collison. The PG position has 5 times as much firepower as last season's platoon.
THE COACHES
Jim O'Brien is still trying to coax defensive intensity out of the Pacers. Gregg Popovich has a culture in place of solid team defense. Jim O'Brien advocates a higher pace. Gregg Popovich will be looking forward to grinding the pace and the life out of the Pacers. O'Brien finally has a PG who passes first. Gregg Popovich has utulized his scoring point guard to the maximum. Jim O'Brien has a new big 3. Gregg Popovich has had the same one for 9 years.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Brandon Rush - Brain: Rules out for 5 games
TJ Ford - Hamstring: Hopefully not
Danny Granger - Ankle: Probably
Spurs
Tiago Splitter - Calf: Wants to, probably will
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Get Hibbert established early. Don't let the defense be easy for the Spurs to play by taking jumpers all game long.
-Win the rebounding game. It's harder to get on a roll in an away game, so securing rebounds and possessions goes a long way in patching up the Pacers' offensive inefficiency.
-Defend. Harping on it over and over again thus far has not produced the results. At a certain point, the walk must be walked.
THE TRADITION
