THE SKINNY
After avoiding the sweep, the Pacers go into United Center for what is possibly the most difficult game to win in the whole series. Both teams have something to prove, both teams have a statement to make, and both teams are hungry for the win. It all comes down to who can get it done. So far, the Bulls have proven to be that team, but the Pacers are going to milk the momentum from game 4 for all it's worth.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Both point guards have sprained their ankles and both are good to go. Collison is struggling from the field, as well as the free throw line, posting numbers that are below his career averages. Derrick Rose is just as quick, stronger, and bigger. The Pacers need to go to the execution of the pick-and-roll that allowed Collison to get off to a good start in this series with a 17-point performance. He must also maintain focus and confidence at the free throw line.
Shooting Guard
Paul George is getting thrown straight into the fire. His length and athleticism in matching up with Rose has been a key to this series, and he hopes to carry that into Chicago. The tag-team of Dahntay Jones and Paul George has been as close to an effective solution to Derrick Rose as any team has managed to put up the entire season.
Small Forward
Danny Granger has silenced a few critics by not only showing up for the playoffs, but by elevating his play against a good defender in Luol Deng. Despite faltering from deep, he is posting 48.6% from the field for more points and, more importantly, he has parlayed that threat into a solid 3.3 assists per game in the series. He has been consistent, but has not had that "explosion" game that it takes to prove you can be "the guy".
Power Forward
Hansbrough and Boozer continues to be an exciting matchup to watch. They have drawn the most technicals this series, and personify the physical, aggressive tone of the series. Hansbrough has not had the rebounding game he would like this series. If it came tonight, it would give the Pacers a great chance to take the series back to Indiana.
Center
Roy Hibbert finally broke out in Game 4 with a double-double and it turned into a Pacers victory. He must build on that to give the Pacers the advantage on the boards they've lacked in losses, and he must put pressure on the Chicago bigs.
THE BENCH
Josh McRoberts was the player who finished Game 4, but was left in the cold on a couple of turnovers. AJ Price is channeling another Pacers great and draining 46% from deep, trying to counter the assassin that is Kyle Korver, who is draining 80% (......). Kurt Thomas and Jeff Foster may or may not end up in the hospital once this series is over.
THE COACHES
Frank Vogel has drawn the line in the sand. Win game 5 and the series goes to the Pacers. He truly believes that, and this is an all-or-nothing game. If Thibodeau is trying to save his best stuff for future opponents, he may want to reconsider hiding his better schemes.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
None.
Bulls
None.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-All in. The Pacers have succeeded in their goal of being competitive in the playoffs. Now that's not good enough. Every player must step up so the Pacers will be the better team, and get a convincing win to forever silence the critics. The Pacers have to finish this series, win or lose, with no regrets.
-Last time these two cities met in a playoff game, Rex Grossman sucked so much they gave Peyton Manning the MVP trophy in disgust.
THE TRADITION
