VS 
At the not-so-nice-looking-from-the-outside...
Starting Lineups
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TJ Ford has the reputation of being better on the second night of back-to-backs. With his excellent performance against the Cavaliers, a huge game is not out of the question. With Luke Ridnour out and Tyronn Lue shipped to the Magic, the Bucks have placed Ramon Sessions in the starting spot, and he has thrived there. Sessions has been getting to the line. Against the foul-happy Pacers, he can be expected to come up big for the Bucks. TJ Ford should make sure he doesn't get closer than 20 feet to the basket.
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With Mike Dunleavy out again with knee problems, Jarrett Jack steps into the shooting guard spot, rounding our the familiarly short backcourt duo that is TJ and JJ. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (bless you) is listed as a power forward, but because of Michael Redd's absence, he has brought his lockdown defense to the 2-spot. Mbah a Moute (bless you) will not be a huge scorer, but is not a shabby shooter. With 5 inches on Jack, he may be tempted to fire up a couple of shots.
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Richard Jefferson has been hot where Danny Granger has been cold. Granger, despite being enormously clutch, has not performed up to par, and continues to worry fans by playing on a knee, through the pain. With Redd and Bogut sitting, Jefferson will carry more of the offensive load. Defense should be focused on Jefferson, while Granger should focus on resting the knee. Granger is due for another offensive explosion, though on a bum knee, the chances of that happening are slim.
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Troy Murphy and Charlie Villanueva are two different types of forwards. With Foster out, Troy need to focus on not just scooping up easy rebounds, but making the effort to win the Pacers the rebounding margin. Villanueva is a threat from several different places on the court, and has stuffed the stat sheets as the new number two option. His athleticism will make him a tricky guard, and he can close out on Murphy's 3-point attempts with greater ease than most other opposing power forwards.
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With Jeff Foster out due to a sore back, Roy Hibbert will assume the starting role. In his limited minutes, he averages good field goal percentages and a good bunch of points, but his time on the court is continuously cut short with foul trouble. Francisco Elson will not attempt enough shots to get Hibbert in foul trouble. If Hibbert can prove his effectiveness over a longer period of time, he may get to keep the job.
The Key Reserves
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The depth of the bench is challenged, and Marquis Daniels may not even appear, but Travis Diener has been a solid ballhandler, and Blastin' Baston makes the most of his limited minutes. Brandon Rush has not looked like a bust for a while, and may get a chance to contribute against a Milwaukee defense lacking its inside presence. Keith Bogans, newly acquired in a trade, may be a challenge to guard, and he has the potential to score in bunches.
The Coaches
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Scott Skiles has been around, and he is coaching a team that has plenty of young talent. He has been able to get his shorthanded Bucks to overachieve. Meanwhile, Jim O'Brien might play Jamaal Tinsley since he has a habit of having everybody on the bench play at least once. The Pacers bench will be tested, but look for Travis Diener to take advantage of a worn backcourt. Former Pacer Eddie Gill is now with the Bucks, and can beat people with his quickness.
Injury Report
Pacers
Jeff Foster-Out (Back)
Mike Dunleavy-Out (Knee)
Marquis Daniels-Questionable (Back)
Bucks
Michael Redd-Out (MCL, ACL)
Luke Ridnour-Out (Thumb)
Andrew Bogut-Out (Back)
Final Points
-The bench is the key. Coming off of a tiring game against the Cavaliers, the starters will be worn, except for Ford.
-Stop the attack ASAP. Keep Sessions from having his way.
-Stop getting into foul trouble.
Tradition
RUN N' GUN!!!
I don't care, she's beautiful to me...
Enjoy the pictures? Now go back and actually read what I wrote.
