THE SKINNY
After a heartbreaking loss in Miami, the Pacers walked away with their heads held high. Despite giving up a 14-point lead, there were many positives to be taken from the game. Now there is no rest for the weary as the Pacers prepare to take on the Charlotte Bobcats, who have the 8th playoff spot by a percentage over the Pacers, who can put a 1-game cushion between them and the Bobcats with a win tonight, and also hold the tiebreaker against them in the playoff race.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison and DJ Augustin have both benefited from respective coaching changes. Physically, Collison matches up well against Augustin, but they both have similar styles of play. The most astounding thing Augustin does is take care of the ball, with a A/TO ratio of over 3. Collison will have to do the same or the point guard matchup could swing towards Charlotte.
Shooting Guard
Mike Dunleavy disappeared against Miami and had some memorably terrible plays. He also got a lot of rest, so he should look to bring it at home, where he usually shoots better. Stephen Jackson, who I hate with a burning passion for no particular reason, is a knuckleheaded chucker that I really want to see get more technicals.
Small Forward
Lebron got the best of Granger in the last game, so Granger should be looking to stop a lesser opponent in Gerald Wallace. Most importantly, Granger needs to keep Wallace off the boards.
Power Forward
Josh McRoberts had a great game against Miami, platooning with Hansbrough to give Bosh a tough time on the defensive end. He plays a different sort of PF in Boris Diaw, who's a threat to do anything and everything on the court.
Center
Roy Hibbert is the gem to Kwame Brown's bust. After notching 20 and 10 against Miami, including 3 steals and a block, he faces an ironically less easy center matchup in Kwame Brown. Establishing himself early will give him plenty of time to rest later on.
THE BENCH
George is not looking too strong from 3 right now, but possesses a very solid midrange game that he should look at going to more. AJ Price is supposed to be a good chooter but his stroke has been off as of late. Shaun Livingston can be a difficult matchup off the bench. The energy battle between Hansbrough and Najera will be interesting to watch.
THE COACHES
Frank Vogel performed admirably in the final moments of the game, making sound decisions that unfortunately could not be executed properly on the court, namely the 5-second violation. The Bobcats have been playing well since Paul Silas took over as head coach.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Brandon Rush - Ankle: Maybe.
Bobcats
DeSagna Diop - Achilles: Out.
Tyrus Thomas - Knee: Out.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Focus. It's always difficult coming off a back-to-back, but maintaining focus and feeding off the energy of the home crowd is very important.
-Finish the game. The Pacers have held the lead after the 1st quarter in every game under Vogel. Unfortunately, the game is not decided in 12 minutes.
THE TRADITION
