THE SKINNY
With the team rested up during all-star weekend, the Pacers look to ratchet up the defensive intensity against the Washington Wizards. Breaking the two-game losing streak is paramount, as momentum is a huge factor leading into the home stretch of the season.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
John Wall accomplished 22 assists in the Rookie Challenge, shattering the previous record held by Chris Paul. Collison was not asked to play for the sophomores. Wall has had two decent games against Indiana, who have managed to take advantage of his rookie mistakes. Collison needs to place the pressure on Wall defensively to create turnovers to allow Indiana to get easy points on the other end.
Shooting Guard
Mike Dunleavy has seen his production decrease with his minutes. Vogel has gone as deep as the 5 men at the wing rotation, often leaving Dunleavy on the bench for key stretches. Nick Young is the Wizard's leading scorer, so if Dunleavy wants to stay on the floor, he has to dig deep and find his inner D.
Small Forward
Josh Howard has recently returned from injury, and though his shooting isn't quite back yet, he is an effective rebounder. His timing is what earns him his boards. Granger needs to put a body on him so he can't get in position. Granger must take care of the ball, as he has had players not known for their quick hands poke the ball loose on dribbles.
Power Forward
Josh McRoberts earned a double-double in Detroit on 7-8 shooting but it wasn't enough to push the Pacers over the edge. He faces the boneheadedly talented Andray Blatche, who can put up all-star numbers if left alone.
Center
Roy Hibbert cannot dunk 3 balls in one leap, but he can beat McGee on the boards. Hibbert has the strength to back down McGee, and he has already posted his career high against the Wizards. If he can add a double-digit rebounding game to that, it will give the Pacers a decided advantage.
THE BENCH
The second unit has been where the Pacers have made their mark on games. The Goon Squad is always ready to pounce. Against a depleted Wizards bench, the Pacers must be able to seize the opportunity. Paul George and Brandon Rush are two in particular that should be extra motivated.
THE COACHES
Frank Vogel wants to shake off his first losing streak as a coach with some hard-nosed defense. The Pacers managed to start out the season strong on defense, and that has fallen to the wayside in light of the coaching change. Flip Saunders is working for the lotto.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Jeff Foster - Ankle: Maybe.
Wiz
Kirk Hinrich - Calf: No.
JaVale McGee - Back: Probably.
Al Thornton - Finger: Probably.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Push the frontcourt advantage. Attack the glass and take it inside on a pushover frontcourt, particularly the power forward spot.
-Watch the backcourt. Defense needs to key in on Wall and Young.
THE TRADITION
