So It Starts... Season Opener - Pacers @ Pistons

bballpacen · Post #1 » by **bballpacen** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 3:45 pm

Wednesday, October 29, 2008 @ 8:00 PM
Pacers

at

Pistons

The Palace of Auburn Hills

The Pistons...
After the playoff series against Bron and the Cavs, Joe Dumars has looked to make some changes. But no real significant moves were made, save the addition of Kwame Brown. So the Pistons personnel that we see to night is virtually the same Pistons, just another year older. However, gone is last years coach, Flip Saunders, and enters former Piston, Michael Curry for his first season at the helm of an NBA ship. The key this season for the Pistons, is to remain focused, and the continuing development of Amir Johnson, Rodney Stuckey, and Jason Maxiel. Rasheed Wallace needs to keep his mind in the game and not get distracted by the referees. Prince, Billups, and Hamilton will provide the bulk of the offensive fire power.

The Pacers...
A new look team, but how much different are the results going to be. The Pacers start the Post-JO era, and look towards the future. Several new players are in the mix lead by TJ Ford, acquired in the JO deal. His ability to stay healthy will determine how successful the Pacers are this season. Rasho Nesterovich can be a key contributor and will start the season in the starting lineup. Jarret Jack will give the Pacers another solid option at the point. The Pacers also have two promising rookies in Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert. Both will be called upon to contribute and they will have every chance to contribute big. Finally, Dunleavy and Granger are the biggest keys to the Pacers success. With Dunleavy out tonight, Granger will have the opportunity to have a HUGE game, and start his contract season off on a good foot.

Starting Lineups...

VS

Key Reserves

AND FINALLY....

Tradition Pictures!!

Granger da OG · Post #2 » by **Granger da OG** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 4:56 pm

New team..........we need sweet game threads again

xxSnEaKyPxx · Post #3 » by **xxSnEaKyPxx** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 5:14 pm

I'm excited man. I'm actually thinking of moving back to my parents just for NBA League Pass haha. Though, that wouldn't be the only reason, but a reason none the less.

Post #4 » by **Gremz** » Tue Oct 28, 2008 5:18 pm

This should be good, nothing like having a realt test first up. Here's hoping Quis and Roy take some of that pre-season form into the regular season.

Kuq_e_Zi91 · Post #5 » by **Kuq_e_Zi91** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 6:23 am

I'm interested to see Jack vs Billups. I think they have similar styles.

Also, hopefully Rush vs Rip. I'd love to see Rush chasing Rip around screens and playing the tough defense he's known for.

cdash · Post #6 » by **cdash** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 6:41 am

I was sooooo close to scoring luxury box seats to that game in Detroit. It would have been worth skipping a wholly worthless day of classes and driving up to that crappy city to support the new era of Pacers. Alas, it did not happen, so I will have to wear one of my myriad of Reggie Miller jerseys and watch the game from home on FSN Indiana.

Just for kicks, my prediction: 89-84 Pistons. I dont think we win an opener in Detroit without Dunleavy and with so many new parts inserted into the rotation.

On a slight tangent, did anyone else watch the games tonight? I felt HORRIBLE for poor Greg Oden. I've met him before, he is legitimately one of the nicest people you will ever meet, and the poor guy just cannot catch a break. I really hope that injury isnt serious.

Post #7 » by **Gremz** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:36 am

^^I feel that, when i read the wiretap about his injury i was deeply concerned to the guy. Initial tests show negative results towards serious injury, i honestly hope the MRI is exactly the same.

HicksvsKnicks08 · Post #8 » by **HicksvsKnicks08** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 12:59 pm

I'm actually thinking of moving back to my parents just for NBA League Pass haha.

Dude,

You cant get league pass where your at? Cant give up the grown folks spot just to watch the game!!

Ask moms to get a DVR and then tape the games for you.

On a side note , Man I miss rivalries. Pistons vs Pacers used to get me soooo hyped up

all that is gone

Post #9 » by **mizzoupacers** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 3:00 pm

Man, we couldn't have gotten a worse opening-game matchup. Let's see, we've got a team that is practically brand-new and is missing its glue guy (Dunleavy), playing on the road against an elite team that has been together for a zillion years in a row without a single significant injury because Joe Dumars made a pact with the devil.

Pistons 114, Pacers 89

At least we'll only have to go to Detroit one more time the rest of the season. And it's not a Friday-night game. Fridays are when the parolees get their weekend passes. :wink:

So we've got that going for us.

Post #10 » by **Grang33r** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 5:24 pm

I'm very excited for this season. I don't have high hopes as many fans or JOB do, but, i do think when they are on their top game, we can play ball with anyone, but i think there will be consistancy issues. I am very intested how Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert do. Their success will determine how successful our season is. Not only record wise, but if both of them have solid rookie seasons, i think next season is truly the year where we can make our mark on the East again.

The best part about this season which excites me most, is, the last 2-3 years, i, cheered for the team, but after a few bad games, kinda realized the positives of finishing near the bottom for draft proposes. It seemed like our only hope. However, this season, i hope Hibbert and Rush work out. I hope Dunleavy and Granger can lead this team into the playoffs. And even if we lose in the first round, i think it will be a huge lession for each young player that they can build on next year.

I am very excited. Detroit is a very tough team. Opening up the season in their arena will be very hard, no matter who was playing them. I hope we can have a competitive game and be within points with the final 5 minutes of play and hope for the best. I don't expect miracles, being without Dunleavy will hurt alot. The result of tonights game will not deminish my excitement for Pacers basketball for 2008-09 season.

Let's Go Pacers!

Post #11 » by **APerna** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 5:53 pm

Love the thread and that Pacer Basketball is back.

Let's shock some people.

cdash · Post #12 » by **cdash** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 7:56 pm

mizzoupacers wrote:Man, we couldn't have gotten a worse opening-game matchup. Let's see, we've got a team that is practically brand-new and is missing its glue guy (Dunleavy), playing on the road against an elite team that has been together for a zillion years in a row without a single significant injury because Joe Dumars made a pact with the devil.

Pistons 114, Pacers 89

At least we'll only have to go to Detroit one more time the rest of the season. And it's not a Friday-night game. Fridays are when the parolees get their weekend passes. So we've got that going for us.

They wont break 100, its the first game of the season. Everyone is shooting like garbage.

MillerTime101 · Post #13 » by **MillerTime101** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:00 pm

With Dunleavy out this is going to be a great chance to see Rush, I havnt been this excited for a Pacers season opener since the Reggie era. Ignite the Passion baby!

23artest23 · Post #14 » by **23artest23** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:32 pm

94-108 Detroit wins

I hate predicting an opening game loss but we got shafted having to start against Detroit.

xxSnEaKyPxx · Post #15 » by **xxSnEaKyPxx** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 8:36 pm

HicksvsKnicks08 wrote:
I'm actually thinking of moving back to my parents just for NBA League Pass haha.

Dude,

You cant get league pass where your at? Cant give up the grown folks spot just to watch the game!!

Ask moms to get a DVR and then tape the games for you.

On a side note , Man I miss rivalries. Pistons vs Pacers used to get me soooo hyped up

all that is gone

Na man, theres a lot of other stuff I have to do here anyway, not just for the game. But I live with my grandparents anyway so not a big deal. But man, I'm thinking the NBA League Pass isn't working. I don't see the Pacer game scheduled.

Post #16 » by **Charcoal Filtered** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 9:40 pm

While I wait here on pins and needles for the MRI results on Greg Oden, I am excited to see the Pacers opener. I have not gotten to see the new team this year and wonder how the Pistons will be different under Curry. I expect a Pacers loss, but will be happy as long as the team gets out of Detroit healthy.

Post #17 » by **APerna** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 10:42 pm

Anyone else trying out the League Pass Broadband?

I used it last night to catch some of the Chicago-Milwaukee game, but it's frozen and without sound so far in the Toronto-Philadelphia game this evening.

xxSnEaKyPxx · Post #18 » by **xxSnEaKyPxx** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 10:54 pm

I'm watching the game, forgot it started at 6 so I justed turned it on but man, box score is making JO look like he really is done. I suppose its only the 1st game, but you would think JO would have something to prove and really show up already.

I truly thought JO was still an All-Star caliber player, but after a poor preseason and poor start to season, maybe I was wrong, I guess only time will tell. 1 Game doesn't really mean much, especially considering its only the 1st half.

Post #19 » by **APerna** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 11:02 pm

Are you watching on LP Broadband?

Post #20 » by **APerna** » Wed Oct 29, 2008 11:20 pm

PacerPerspective wrote:Are you watching on LP Broadband?

I'll quote myself because I'm getting audio on the Atlanta-Orlando game.

I just might have to purchase this thing. Take that Comcast!