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I really want to see a game at...


What do I have to do to get you guys to read what I write?


Starting Lineups


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T.J. Ford is still shaking off the flu, and may not see action tonight. If he plays, he will be up against a tough matchup in Mike Conley, the younger, and possibly faster, point guard. The Pacers have had difficulty guarding backcourts, letting Nate Robinson go for 41, Ben Gordon for 22 in a half, and not managing to defend anywhere besides the midrange. Ford should apply pressure quickly and early, making Conley realize he has to work for his points.

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Jarrett Jack was partially blamed for the Pacers' loss Monday against the Knicks. He has the difficult job of guarding O.J. Mayo, a rookie of the year candidate and all-around scorer. Jack's defense has been called upon several times in the past, with mixed results. With Jim O'Brien's insistence on man-to-man, the rest of the Pacers should be ready to help. Jack continues to be an offensive producer in the absence of Granger and Dunleavy.

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Rudy Gay is another athletic wingman that the Pacers should watch out for. Marquis Daniels also battled the flu, but his efforts have helped the team greatly. His plus-minus as a starter is impressive. His 3-point shot still lacks, but as a small forward, he should be concerned with a more mobile role within the O'Brien offense, letting the other guys shoot the long ball.

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The Grizzlies' edge on athleticism is helped along by the agile Hakim Warrick. However, Hakim Warrick has been developing into somewhat of a second Stromile Swift. However, if left unchecked, he can score point in bunches. Troy Murphy's efficiency as an offensive player has suffered, and his percentages are down with Granger's injury, and his subsequent takeover of those attempts. Troy has the rebounding edge here, and it should be that edge that is the key to victory.

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Both Roy Hibbert and Marc Gasol share the rookie label, but Gasol's game is slightly more polished. Roy has the offensive capabilities to contribute to the Pacers, but he must be careful on the other end. The Grizzlies are most likely aware of Hibbert's fouling tendency, and will look to exploit it with numerous passes to the inside to Gasol. Hibbert should either adjust or sit the game out. The Pacers cannot afford to give up too many points at the stripe.

The Key Reserves


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The Pacers bench continues to struggle, posting only 19 points. Brandon Rush delivered for what seemed like the first time in the whole season with a 5-8 performance in the second half against the Knicks. With all of the injuries, he is the best offensive option on the Pacers bench right now, and hopefully his shot will fall again tonight. Jeff Foster is dealing with a sore lower back again, and may not play. Travis Diener should look to establish himself, as the tempo of the second unit falls on his shoulders.

The Coaches

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Jim O'Brien drew up an inbounds play that had Jeff Foster inbounding the ball, and no Pacer got open. Hopefully the issues are over with and he can coach a good game against he Grizzlies. Hollins is in a similar situation, as he is a coach on a rebuilding franchise. The younger, more athletic Grizzlies have the skills to win, but if the Pacers can outsmart them and the threes fall, they may get one step closer to the playoffs.

Injury Report


Pacers
Danny Granger-Knee
Mike Dunleavy-Knee
T.J. Ford-Flu

Grizzlies
None

Final Points


-Consider deviating from man-to-man. It works well if your team is equal in athelticism, but the Grizzlies starting five can run circles around the Pacers starting five.
-Contain O.J. Mayo, and keep Marc Gasol from dominating inside.
-Do not allow the Grizzlies to get inside. All of the Grizzlies can finish inside. Let them take jumpers all they want, just focus the defense and don't let them take the paint.

Tradition







I don't care, she's beautiful to me...




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Memphis is in the Western Conference? The NBA should be split into National and American Conference, just like every other sport.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSwOTrdu06Q

Let's have a good gamethread, guys. I know a bunch of the guys here are at the game, but this game is a good litmus test. The rebuilding Grizzlies against the rebuilding Pacers.

No Conan?

Your gamethreads suck.

EDIT: It is now amazing.

No they don't.

Did I start tradition #2 with Conan? That is one sexy man... I mean... Those chicks are totally bangin hott!

Oh yeah, by the way... Great thread, go Pacers! I will actually be around and awake for this game, but I am really looking forward to the Dukies vs. the Terps. FEAR THE TURTLE!

I like the final points of the game. Great thread.

Whoever wants to do a gamechat...get on AIM.

Half the starters are rookies, that's crazy.

It looks pretty empty. I almost went... They were like 13th row seats for $10 apiece. I was going to do it until I remembered the college hoops game(s) tonight. Looks like I could've sat in the 5th row.

Hibbert looking like Dikembe! Then Mayo with the dunk...

Gasol is killin us in the early going.

How is the chat on AIM? I may check it out.

Darko and Darius Miles? They need Kwame Brown and Bender, now.

3 of us are in an AIM chat room. AIM me at xGrangeR33x.

The chat's good, dude. Join in.

I had a chance to go to the game for free tonight... it's too bad I had to stay here to finish homework for tomorrow.

Screw homework, so much...

TJ Ford needs to stop shooting, he is killing us out there. Put B-Rush back in!!!

Is TJ Ford playing horrible? Turnovers and missed shots and fouls. Whats going on?