THE SKINNY
Now 6-1 under Vogel, the Pacers face another back-to-back test, this time in Milwaukee. Milwaukee has won 5 straight against the Pacers, with the last win coming off an Andrew Bogut tip-in at the buzzer. The Pacers have won in a variety of ways, and that creativity will be tested against this tough opponent.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison faces an aggressive Brandon Jennings. Jennings is a player who is always in attack mode; and even though he is not always efficient, he is still extremely flammable. Collison needs to limit his own turnovers while not allowing Jennings to get inside and pin fouls on the Pacers bigs.
Shooting Guard
Mike Dunleavy was on fire for half a quarter, and then wasn't heard from again against the Wolves. He has a lengthy and rangy John Salmons to contend with. He has had a tough time being the closer for Vogel. With Rush on the mend and Dahntay's stirring performance, his minutes may start to decrease.
Small Forward
Danny Granger definitely needs to continue to take the ball inside. It was one of the reasons he made 7 of 12 against the Timberwolves for an efficient shooting game despite not making any threes. If he takes on the defensively inept Maggette, he can blow by and either get easy scores or trips to the line.
Power Forward
Josh McRoberts flirted with a triple-double in the win against the Charlotte Bobcats. He has the potential to challenge Kevin Love on the boards with his strength and athleticism. He needs to make putting a body on Love his priority. Love is also a crafty offensive player, so McBob will have his work cut out for him.
Center
Roy Hibbert had trouble against Bogut last time in Milwaukee. The main advantage Bogut has over Hibbert is in his rebounding. If Hibbert focuses on this area tonight, is has been the case under Vogel, he can turn the tide of the matchup.
THE BENCH
Carlos Delfino and his torrid shooting was a backbreaker against the Pacers in the last matchup. Mbah a Moute also had a great rebounding game against James Posey. Nowadays, Paul George, Dahntay Jones, and Tyler Hansbrough man their respective rotations and their contributions will be paramount on the back end of a back-to-back.
THE COACHES
6-1 baby. Going on 7-1. Frank the Tank has had one of the most auspicious starts an interim coach can ask for, and tonight he'll have decisions to make with Brandon Rush coming back from injuries.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
None.
Bucks
Chris Douglas-Roberts - Sniffles: Maybe.
Larry Sanders - Back: Maybe.
Drew Gooden - Foot: Out.
Michael Redd - Knee: Out.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Lock down the perimeter. The defense has been porous at times, and with Brandon Jennings and a solid wing rotation, the Bucks need extra attention.
-Hibbert/Collison vs. Bogut/Jennings. The Pacers possess some solid advantages in the other positions, but if the middle and point aren't locked in, it'll be a hard game to win.
THE TRADITION
"jokes" i know you cant do that, but i do hope i get the pacers
