Pacers @ Lakers- 1/9: Birthday Game
Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2009 2:23 am
VS 
At the center of two teams...
Starting Lineups
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With T.J. Ford out with back problems, Jarrett Jack steps into the starting lineup again. The wily Derek Fisher will test Jack's defensive quickness. However, Jarrett Jack has been draining more than half of his shots (including 53% on long-range baskets) over the last four games, and hopefully the hot streak will continue. Jack will have to choose his shots wisely, because this game will be one of his longest, with both Ford and Diener not being able to play significant minutes.
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The most lopsided matchup on paper is the one between Stephen Graham and Kobe Bryant, but it's likely that Graham will guard Vladimir Radmanovic and Granger will attempt to put the clamps on the nearly-unstoppable Bryant. The Lakers will also probably have Bryant guard Granger, making the real matchup Granger vs. Bryant. Graham is coming off of a solid 13-7-3 performance against Phoenix, and hopefully will continue his solid play, because a Pacer victory will require everyone to overachieve, especially with the bench problems.
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Danny Granger has been solidifying his place among the league's best with three straight games of 35+ points, including a buzzer-beater 3-pointer against Phoenix to complete the upset. His defense has been impressive all season with more than a steal and a block every game. He is also passing the ball well, but he needs to keep his turnovers down in this one. He is giving the ball up almost 3 times a game. Vladimir Radmanovic has is a dangerous three-point shooter, but his skills lack sorely in several other areas. However, his ability to stretch the floor is undeniable. Stephen Graham will likely be guarding him.
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Troy Murphy has all of a sudden become a top rebounder in the NBA, even sacrificing his potent offensive commitment in the process. However, the fact that the Pacers are down a T.J. Ford and a Marquis Daniels might prompt more shot attempts from Troy Murphy. His defense in the post against Pau Gasol will be incredibly important. Pau Gasol is incredibly dangerous, but if Trophy forces him to come out to defend the 3, then Pau may be more easily worn out. Troy will need to help Roy Hibbert hold down the post against the all-star Gasol and the burgeoning Bynum.
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Hibbert is older than Bynum, but Bynum has three years in the NBA on Hibbert. Roy has not been producing double-figure games, but his plus-minus is the highest among all starters. Because he has a tendency to get into foul trouble, Hibbert needs to be extra careful against Bynum. Foster will likely come in to defend either Gasol or Bynum should either of them start to have their way inside. The inside will be key in this game.
The Key Reserves
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Both the Lakers and the Pacers are suffering through a mass of injuries. The Pacers bench still has two great backup post players in Jeff Foster and Rasho Nesterovic, while the Lakers have the dangerous Sasha Vujacic and Trevor Ariza leading their second unit. Mike Dunleavy's return last game was a success, as he netted 14 points in a little over 21 minutes. The minutes he can play are limited, so it's up to the starters to pile it on so that his job is easier. The last thing the Pacers need is for Dunleavy to miss more time. Brandon rush will have to play minutes because he's the only real backcourt reserve available to play a lot of minutes, but he continues to struggle through his rookie season. He has had some high points, however, and if this game is one of them, then the Pacers will have a legitimate chance.
The Coaches
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Jim O'Brien has been criticized, but now the Pacers are looking better and better. Phil Jackson has had a seat in the Hall of Fame for more than a decade, and his Lakers are 19-2 at the Staples center. Both coaches will have to substitute with care due to the injuries. The Pacers have not been able to beat the Lakers at Staples Center for 9 years. The Pacers need another convincing road win to prove that they are playoff contenders, and the Lakers, in their weakened state, are just the team to prove that to.
Injury Report
Lakers
Lamar Odom: Day-to-Day (Bruised Knee)
Jordan Farmar: Out (Torn Knee)
Luke Walton: Out (Foot)
Pacers
Marquis Daniels: Day-to-Day (Strained Groin)
Travis Diener: Day-to-Day (Sore Back)
T.J. Ford: Day-to-Day (Sore Back)
Mike Dunleavy: Day-to-Day (Sore Knee)
Final Points
-Control the key; Gasol and Bynum make for a very formidable interior. Don't let them establish themselves.
-Bother Kobe and hope he doesn't do that thing where he sinks a bunch of 40-footers.
-Watch Dunleavy carefully, but let him play. This game is huge, and the Pacers will need every last man.
Tradition
Happy Birthday to Me