VS 
At the illustrious...
Starting Lineups
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With TJ Ford doubtful with back problems, Earl Watson is stepping into the starting role and taking on the daunting task of guarding the beastly Rajon Rondo. Rondo had a party in last year's playoffs nearly averaging a triple-double thoughout two rounds. Earl Watson has had good shooting games since becoming a Pacer, and with distribution being a weak point thus far in the season (more turnovers per game than assists), he's going to have to step up to kick-start this offense.
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Ray Allen makes shots. Brandon Rush still has to prove that he can. Ray Allen is a potent offensive player known to have great games against the Pacers, and Rush will guard Allen if Paul Pierce plays. Otherwise, he may be matched up against Marquis Daniels while Dahntay Jones guards Ray Allen. Rush needs to find some rhythm because if he can't establish himself as an offensive option, he's going to be hanging Granger and Hibbert out to dry.
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After just 6 games, Dahntay Jones has established himself as someone who can score in the NBA. He is currently the Pacers' #2 scorer. Paul Pierce will have a field day if Jones gets into foul trouble. Of course, that's if Pierce isn't being held out for a knee injury sustained yesterday against the Hawks. Pierce likes to use his strength to get inside, and make his opponents foul him. Jones is a savvy defender, and has made impressive plays on more than one occasion this season. The Pacers need him to continue to step up.
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With a healthy Kevin Garnett and a bruised Danny Granger, the matchup looks off-kilter. However, Granger proved that he can rebound against Golden State (against a small lineup) but he'll need to find a way to stop Garnett's post-up. Garnett will then need to find a way to guard Granger on the perimeter. Granger should look to penetrate to draw fouls and get to the line, and really be active on the boards this game.
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Roy Hibbert managed to do well against Brendan Haywood, but now faces a tough defensive force in Kendrick Perkins. Hibbert must try and stay out of foul trouble when Boston gets inside, which they do very well. He needs to keep swatting shots because when he gets his blocks, the Pacers are a bit better on defense, and every bit helps in this battle.
The Key Reserves
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The Pacers are still shorthanded, but Tyler Hansbrough has opened some eyes with his play (his remain the widest open, though). Former Pacer Marquis Daniels was a cheap acquisition for the Celtics, and Rasheed Wallace only added to their already potent frontline, with a rotation of Garnett, Perkins, Davis, and Rasheed. McRoberts may see minutes if things go south.
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
Mike Dunleavy: Out (Knee)
Travis Diener: Game-time decision (Toe)
TJ ford: Doubtful (Back)
Jeff Foster: Out (Ankle)
Troy Murphy: Out (Back)
Celtics
Paul Pierce: Questionable (Knee)
Brian Scalabrine: Game-Time Decision (Toe)
Final Points
-Keep Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Garnett, Perkins, Rasheed, Davis, Daniels, Walker, House, Giddens out of the paint, but let Scalabrine do whatever he wants to.
-Take care of the ball. The other two teams with more turnovers than assists are New Jersey (0-9) and Charlotte (3-5).
-Surprisingly Boston hasn't been rebounding well and the Pacers have been. Keep that up at all costs. Boards are the most important non-scoring aspect of the game.
Tradition
Doesn't stop there.
BEAT THE CELTICS!
