VS 
At the not-that-awesome
Starting Lineups
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TJ Ford's plus-minus numbers have been depressing lately. His total plus-minus is 2nd-worst to Troy Murphy, and his per-minute ranks above only Josh McRoberts, Troy Murphy, and Tyler Hansbrough. He didn't register a single point or assist in the Sacramento game, and posted an impressive -20 in the plus/minus category against the Jazz, with 3 turnovers and 5 fouls. He did grab 4 boards and shoot 4-9, so he did something right. Hopefully against the injury-prone Baron Davis he can run until Baron gets broken down and find some guys in the Clipper's broken defense.
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With Eric Gordon listed as questionable, Dahntay may find himself up against Rasual Butler. Dahntay's athleticism may get him some good looks against Butler on offense, but on defense he must be wary of Rasual's length. Dahntay has shown the ability to defend against taller players. If Eric Gordon plays, it's very important to never let Davis or Gordon get hot. Otherwise, it's all over. Dahntay also needs to take care of the ball. He's averaging 2.6 turnovers per game, erasing some of his brilliant defense.
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Al Thornton has offensive prowess and size. Granger must hold him to the perimeter and make him shoot from long range, especially 3's, where he's 30% for his career and only 20% this season. Thornton has been on a hot streak as of late, so Granger needs to step it up even with the injury. Granger's shooting this season is a sub-par 41%, but is still managing 82% from the line and 25 points a game. He needs to break Thornton down early and often. If the Clippers send a better defender at Granger, Dahntay is still there to surprise everyone.
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Troy Murphy got himself a double-double after coming back from injury against Utah, but it wasn't enough. This time he'll be matched against a different kind of rebounder in Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman. Defensively he needs to find a way to prevent Camby from shooting his midrange jumpers and box out. His shooting looks to be free of rust after going 3-6 from beyond the arc in the last game, and hopefully his presence will disrupt the Clipper's defense.
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Roy Hibbert has seen less action since the return of Jeff Foster, and he was in foul trouble against the Clipper last time. Hopefully he can make a statement against an all-star caliber Chris Kaman and establish himself as a legitimate threat to offset Murphy's perimeter presence. Chris Kaman is having a monster year, emerging as a possible all-star, so whether it's Foster or Hibbert, Kaman needs to be kept in check.
The Key Reserves
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Earl Watson registered +10 in plus/minus against the Jazz, and he is still not starting. Jeff Foster looks fully recovered with great rebounding performances as of late. Eric Gordon is questionable for the Clippers, but that doesn't mean the second unit can just relax, because Ricky Davis is still capable of doing damage. Mike Dunleavy has looked good in his return with some quick hands and hustle, but he is still showing signs of rust, particularly from the three-point line and in his drives.
The Coaches
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Jim O'Brien has elected to go with a small lineup in lieu of Troy Murphy. Doc Rivers may be without Paul Pierce, which would deplete his swingman rotation. Jim O'Brien was a one-time coach of the Celtics and his knowledge of Paul Pierce will hopefully translate into a fight. The Pacers have allowed and scored the exact same number of points, but have a slight edge in FG%, which is what O'Brien's focus is on.
Injury Report
Pacers
Travis Diener: Out (Toe)
Brandon Rush: Questionable (Pride, Confidence)
Josh McRoberts: Day-to-Day (Toe)
Clippers
Eric Gordon: Questionable (Hamstring)
Kareem Rush: Out (Knee)
Blake Griffin: Out (Knee)
Final Points
-The front 3 last time was stymied. With Eric Gordon out, the Clipper will rely more on their frontline.
-The Pacers are on a skid, and if they keep losing, changes are going to have to be made.
-TJ Ford. Jim O'Brien. They need to start delivering, even if it may not be their fault that the Pacers underperform.
Tradition
Doesn't stop there.
BEAT THE CLIPPERS!
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