VISITING
THE SKINNY
The dastardly 76ers had a chance to beat the Pacers in a spirit-crushing victory at Conseco Fieldhouse, but relinquished a 13-point lead thanks to the heroic efforts of Hibbert's passing, two choice dunks from McBob and DC, and another stellar shooting night for Danny Granger. Hansbrough also chipped in. The Sixers will be looking to even up the score, with Iguodala looking to make his presence known unlike the first match.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison had a strong showing in 25 minutes of play, racking up 15 points and 4 assists to go with an impressive 4 steals. Jrue Holiday had an okay game, going 6014 from the floor for 12 points, but failed to contribute on the glass and only racked up 2 assists in 30 minutes of play. Darren Collison continues to be solid, but veteran TJ Ford is finishing the games right now.
Shooting Guard
Mike Dunleavy had a quiet 16 points and 9 boards against the Sixers, while Andre Iguodala just had a quiet game. With Dunleavy guarding him, Iguodala shot 4-10 from the floor for 12 points. Playing at home, Iguodala is almost guaranteed to have a better game. If the Pacers want to win this one, Iguodala must be kept in check. If he breaks free for a dunk, it always spells trouble for the visitors.
Small Forward
Danny Granger is averaging a 27 points a game, with 4.3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks. He's shooting 52% from the field and 46% from beyond. Playing at home actually decreased his numbers. He must step up and make a statement against fellow gold medalist Andre Iguodala to show that he is worthy of being a star, by leading the team to a victory away. Andres Nocioni was left too open for 2 three-pointers in the first matchup. His shooting stroke must be accounted for.
Power Forward
Josh McRoberts has played at an amazing level in terms of energy. He brings in 9 points and 7.3 boards in 24 minutes of play. Add to that 1.3 blocks and the fact that he is 2-5 for smart, open 3's, and suddenly the loss of Murphy doesn't seem so bad. Funnily enough, he still has yet to make a free throw. Elton Brand shot poorly from the floor, but managed to make his presence felt with 4 steals and 4 blocks. McBob needs to continue his play while keeping Brand out of the Sixers offense.
Center
Roy Hibbert couldn't really get going from the floor, but found his teammates 5 times for the score, and notched a double-double. Spencer Hawes only played 13 minutes in the last game, so Hibbert should get established. A consistent inside threat will help in the away game.
THE BENCH
Tyler Hansbrough and TJ Ford have been instrumental in wins, and Paul George shot 3-6 from the field to contribute some. Evan Turner hasn't quite gotten his NBA legs under him, quite yet, but Thaddeus Young and Lou Williams gave the 76ers a huge boost. Both teams have some depth and instant offense off the bench, but the Pacers need some consistency there.
THE COACHES
The Pacers are playing with enough defensive intensity and teamwork to give fans hope for this team. Against Philadelphia, the Pacers managed to win by getting to the line despite shooting poorly from the field. This time, the Pacers won't get the benefit of calls, and must be more efficient with the offense. Doug Collins has criticized his team's mentality and losing habits, hoping to light a fire. The Pacers should shake off the rust and gather up momentum, because after the Sixers, they face Milwaukee, Denver, and Houston in a homestand with long breaks in between.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Brandon Rush - Brain: Ruled out for 2 more games
Sixers
None
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Do not let Andre Iguodala get going on his home floor.
-Shoot more efficiently. Roy Hibbert will now be gameplanned against much more from here on out, so the other guys need to step up inside.
-Take care of the ball. TJ Ford had 4 turnovers against the 76ers, most during the run they made to get up 13 on the Pacers. It will be much harder to recover from that large of a lead away.
THE TRADITION
Dunleavy without the hustle. 