Pacers @ Clippers: 3/7/09
Posted: Sun Mar 8, 2009 12:16 am
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I really want to see a game at...
The Great Playoff Race
Starting Lineups
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T.J. Ford, the Little Engine that Should, and Baron Davis, the oft-injured star point guard, both like driving inside, but Baron Davis punishes defenders while T.J. Ford runs circles around them. The tendency today is for both point guards to have high-scoring games, so it's up to Ford to try to hold Davis back from the post, and not force anything on the other end of the court. T.J. Ford has been putting up impressive numbers. All signs point towards leniency on the part of the officials towards the victims of a poor refereeing game. (The sour taste remains in my mouth).
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Former Slam Dunk Champion and Indiana Pacer Fred Jones gets the start against his former squad in light of injuries to Eric Gordon and Ricky Davis. Jarrett Jack, who has carried more of the offensive load on his team since the injury to Danny Granger, is finally guarding a two-guard an inch shorter than he is. Jarrett Jack must use every single chance to exploit this matchup, and take advantage of it by not being afraid to jack up more jump shots.
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Second-year man Al Thornton is a potent offensive weapon, although his three-point stroke isn't that strong, hovering at or below the 30% mark for the season. Marquis Daniels is similar, but his three-point percentage is even lower. Against a depleted Clippers frontcourt, however, Daniels will most likely drive it in to try and wear down paint. Against the Trailblazers, he waltzed in several times to get easy points.
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The Clippers frontline is missing Chris Kaman and Zach Randolph, but is still extremely potent. Marcus Camby is enough of a defensive force to lock down the paint area while his midrange jumper gives the Clippers another offensive option. Troy Murphy will have a tough rebounding day ahead of him, and should not let the presence of Marcus Camby in the key prevent him from utilizing his prized pump-drive maneuver.
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Roy Hibbert should play smart defense this game and not allow himself to be commit stupid fouls. DeAndre Jordan is by no means an offensive threat. As long as Hibbert keeps him out of the paint, there should be no need to attempt blocks. The Clippers know that Hibbert is a fouling machine and will therefore purposely dump the ball inside. On offense, Hibbert should not try to do too much against Marcus Camby, and take smart shots.
The Key Reserves
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Brandon Rush seems to have returned to his old ways, attempting only one shot and missing it against the Blazers. Travis Diener is feeling discomfort and is listed as day-to-day. Jeff Foster's recent play has been the source of many woes and worries for the Pacers. Rasho Nesterovic has made a case for himself in the rotation and may take more of Foster's minutes. The Clippers are missing key players, so the Pacers bench must take advantage.
The Coaches
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Jim O'Brien hasn't been coaching like the team is tanking, and he is keeping the Pacers competitive. The father of Pacers guard Mike Dunleavy Sr. has been coaching the Clippers for far longer than any other coach of a team this historically bad. Since Dunleavy Jr. is not playing, there will be no reservations on the part of the Clippers.
Injury Report
Pacers
Danny Granger-Foot (Out)
Mike Dunleavy-Knee (Out)
Travis Diener-Chest (Probable)
Clippers
Zach Randolph-Personal (Out)
Chris Kaman-Foot (Out)
Ricky Davis-Knee (Doubtful)
Eric Gordon-Shoulder (Probable)
Final Points
-Exploit the weaker positions of depth. Go inside and try to saddle the Clippers post players with some early fouls. Feed Jack the ball and let him go to town on Fred Jones.
-Play smart basketball. Don't assume it's in the bag because the Clippers are bad. That's how we beat the Cavs, Magic, Lakers, Celtics, Suns, Rockets, almost the Blazer, and Nuggets.
Tradition
The Tradition Officiating Crew
*ahem* Blow my whistle...
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Cone Bone
I don't care, she's beautiful to me...
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I say we clip them down to size.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSwOTrdu06Q
