THE SKINNY
After a few days off for the All-Star break, the Pacers played one game and enjoyed 3 days off without a game. They've been honing things in practice, trying new strategies and schemes. New Orleans is coming off a great home win against the defending champions. They meet today in New Orleans where the Hornets look to avenge their overtime loss against the Pacers and prevent a season sweep.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Former Pacers contributor Jarrett Jack has been starting, but Vasquez took advantage of his size successfully in the last matchup. Collison needs to push the tempo on what will probably be a depleted Hornets frontcourt that is on the second night of a back-to-back and the fourth game in five nights.
Shooting Guard
Paul George is using his defense to key his offense, and he has a real opportunity to become a deflection machine tonight. He has to pounce early and often, especially against a dead-eye shooter like Belinelli.
Small Forward
Granger most likely won't contend with Ariza, who is nursing an illness, but Aminu is also an active, athletic player that shouldn't be slept on. Granger has been rounding back into offensive shape, but if he wants to continue to do well, he has to not get tunnel vision to the basket. Finding teammates and drawing fouls are all great ways to get going. Despite a poor shooting percentage, Granger is at 51% true shooting, which is good enough for average in the NBA.
Power Forward
Gustavo Ayon has stepped up in the absence of Jason Smith, putting up nice rebounding numbers and showing an offensive game that shouldn't be taken for granted. David West needs to match activity, and probably has a little extra hunger returning to his former team.
Center
Kaman's game tonight might be an audition for a Pacers squad looking to use their cap room to add pieces before the deadline. He posted 20-13 in yesterday's win against the defending champs. Hibbert only needed to play 20 minutes against Golden State, and still put up 12 and 9 with 3 blocks. The New Orleans interior is more stout, so Hibbert should stand strong and do his thing.
THE BENCH
George Hill continues to get back to form while Dahntay Jones has been chipping in nicely on open 3-point attempts and alley-oop conversions. Hansbrough's forays into the paint have yet to pay off big, but he's getting to the line and converting at a good percentage, making his efficiency better than it looks on the box score.
THE COACHES
Vogel and Williams are the youngest and second-youngest respectively. Their teams are in completely different places, however, and Vogel's coaching is going to show itself coming off a 3-day down period.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
None.
Warriors
Trevor Ariza: Illness - Probably not.
Emeka Okafor: Knee - Probably not.
Carl Landry: Knee - No.
Jason Smith: Brain - No.
Eric Gordon: Knee - No.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Push it. This team has probably been drained. They may be stiff competition as they are home, but pushing the tempo will make the Pacers more and more successful as the game goes on.
-Watch out for zone. It is an effective tactic against the Pacers, and a good one for tired teams.
THE TRADITION
