VS 
At the illustrious...
Starting Lineups
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Gilbert Arenas is a challenge, because with TJ's offensive game not a threat this season, he can focus more on offense, where he's reliably 25+ points per game. TJ Ford needs to put the speed on to force Gilbert to guard him, because TJ had quite possibly the best game of his season against Arenas.
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Youngster Nick Young will most likely be guarded by TJ Ford while Gilbert is covered by Dahntay Jones. Dahntay wasn't an offensive factor against the Nets, but his energy will be called upon in this second night of a back-to-back.
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Brandon Rush, starting because of Granger's absence, has shot well in the previous two games, but he still needs to prove his consistency and confidence. If he can establish himself as an offensive threat, the Wizards will have trouble covering all of their bases.
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Troy Murphy collected a double-double against the Nets, and he will need to continue his solid play and not slip against the Wizards. Lately his three has been falling, so hopefully he will be able to stretch the floor better. Antawn Jamison will be much more difficult to guard than Fabricio Oberto. Without the matchup advantages from last meeting, Murphy will need to step it up.
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Birthday boy Hibbert showed up against the Nets, and he'll have to show up again against the Wizards powerful 1-2 punch of Haywood and Blatche. Both centers are shorter but faster and stronger, so Hibbert needs to make them work on defense and use his height to his fullest advantage.
The Key Reserves
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The second unit has really been eye-opening in the +/- category this year. Watson has piloted the team well, Dunleavy is easing back into his role and performing well, Foster is back to being Feisty, and Hansbrough is coming off of a career-high with 21 points. These four guys are key because the team is in the second night of a back-to-back away game.
The Coaches
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Unfortunately, Jim O'Brien's focus on defense hasn't translated to wins. Of course, it would help if he played the defensive players more often. Flip Saunders has been playing without Mike Miller and Javaris Crittenton, but doesn't have to deal with Danny Granger.
Injury Report
Pacers
Travis Diener: Out (Toe)
Danny Granger: Out (Foot)
Wizards
Javaris Crittenton - Out (Foot)
Mike James - Questionable (Hand)
Mike Miller - Out (Calf)
Final Points
-Clamp down early and keep the defense up for 48 minutes
-Play like a team on offense
-Focus defense on the big 3
-Establish an inside presence early
Tradition
BEAT THE WHIZARDS!
