Game 13: Pacers vs Cavs 11/23/10, 7:00pm EST *NSFW* 18+
Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 11:56 pm
THE SKINNY
The Pacers are the first team to shut down the mighty Miami Heat. They played defense, rebounded, and in a game where Hibbert was in foul trouble, they found a huge spark off the bench. In the previous matchup against the Cavaliers, the Pacers took the win at Cleveland. Now they return from Miami besting the big three, but cannot give this team any slack.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison had a quiet night in his return from a sprained ankle. He is not putting up numbers far beyond his rookie year thus far, and TJ Ford is playing big minutes off the bench. Collison's minutes have never reached full-time starter status. Mo Williams was in a slump until his recent game against the Spurs, where he posted impressive numbers. He's always dangerous and must be contained.
Shooting Guard
Brandon Rush came out and posted 20 points on the Heat, adding 7 boards and 4 dimes. He is on a roll this season, posting solid numbers off the bench and turning heads with performances that include 5 blocked shots and 4 made 3's. Anthony Parker is a good 3-point shooter, although he has struggled a fair amount within the arc, shooting better percentages from deep than on 2-point attempts. Brandon Rush should look to be aggressive on offense again, and his defense should follow.
Small Forward
Danny Granger went off against the Cavaliers last time for 34 points, and his recent game against the Heat gave him his first double-double since February. He's facing Joey Graham, who replaces Jamario Moon in the starting lineup, giving the Pacers a definite edge on the wings. Granger has another opportunity to light it up, as long as he's not tired from the previous night.
Power Forward
Josh McRoberts drew charges and hustled well against the Heat, although he faced foul trouble. He faces JJ Hickson, who the Cleveland Cavaliers consider their power forward of the future. McBob needs to step up against he Cavaliers' superior power forward rotation.
Center
Hibbert got plenty of rest against Miami, as he was in foul trouble for much of the game. Because of the relative freshness in his legs, he could have a big game. He's touching the ball almost every time on offense, and good things usually happen when he posts up or passes to a cutter.
THE BENCH
TJ Ford is steadily pushing for a 6th Man of the Year award. He has played well off the bench, and was an integral part of the 40-4 bench scoring advantage the Pacers enjoyed against the Heat. James Posey is now the primary backup PF, in front of Tyler Hansbrough. Antawn Jamison was on fire last time these two teams met, and should be guarded closely. Daniel Gibson is in it with Hibbert for the Most Improved Player award. His shooting is dangerous.
THE COACHES
ESPN's Award Watch has Jim O'Brien at #4, a huge disparity from the general consensus about him on these boards. Byron Scott follows him at #5, which is a sign that the Pacers enjoy a coaching advantage here. The Cavalier struggle from unbalance, but their strength (power foward) is a Pacer weakness.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Jeff Foster - Back: Maybe.
Cavaliers
None.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Get the bench going. On a back-to-back coming in front away, the Pacers may feel some fatigue against the rested Cavaliers.
-Contain Hickson and Jamison. McRoberts and Posey have the hustle and savvy, respectively, although Hansbrough can contribute with strength if they are having trouble.
THE TRADITION
I got carried away and broke some rules, but we just beat the Heat, so...These are gonna get deleted after this game.
If we're still competitive after football season, seats will start to fill out. But yeah, a lot of "fans" need to get caught up.