VISITING
THE SKINNY
The Pacers matched Houston in nearly every category, but didn't shoot well enough to edge them out. The defense gave up many open looks, and Roy Hibbert was absent for the last minutes of the game. The Pacers have given up two close contests at home, and need to find their mojo against the superstar-less Cavaliers.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
With Darren Collison out with a sprained ankle, TJ Ford needs to step up with AJ Price/Lance Stephenson and fill in the gap.
Shooting Guard
Mike Dunleavy is looking like the Mike Dunleavy of 07-08, when he was an MIP candidate and the best offensive player on the Pacers. He needs to step up his defensive game against the powerful wing combination of Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams, who are both athletic and good scorers.
Small Forward
Danny Granger was due for a big game, and he dropped 34 on Cleveland. If the Pacers want to beat the well-balanced Hawks, he's going to have to step up again and be the most respected offensive threat on the court. He will also have to step it up on defense, making life difficult for Marvin Williams and Joe Johnson.
Power Forward
Josh McRoberts has only managed 8 points in the last 3 games. He started the season out a double-double threat, but without his alley-ooping and fastbreak dunks, McBob looks anemic on offense. Additionally, he is shooting terribly from the line at 28.6%. Josh Smith is the last player on the Hawks who should be given a free pass on defense, especially with his shotblocking ability. If McRoberts can't hit from the field and make Smoove stick to him, then the result is a super-athletic roamer just waiting to help on the weakside.
Center
The main matchup happens at the center position. Horford has abused Hibbert in the past, and the Hawks have had enjoyed a 6-game winning streak on the Pacers. The cycle needs to end with Hibbert stepping up and taking control against a red-hot Horford, fresh off an All-Star season and starting strong out the gates with 60+% shooting. Hibbert needs to not get sucked into trying to out-athletic Horford, and should play his post game. If the Pacers can establish control in the paint, the rest of the game will follow.
THE BENCH
Brandon Rush will be called upon to try and defend the potent offensive threats of Williams, Johnson, and Crawford. He must also get more involved in the offense when he's on the floor. It's been nice to see him hustle more for rebounds and putbacks, though. Solo could see a lot of action based on the fact that the Atlanta frontcourt is a handful and could easily pin quick fouls of Hibbert and McRoberts and Hansbrough is out. Jeff Foster may return.
THE COACHES
For all the criticisms levelled on O'Brien, the Pacers stand at 4-4 and have an average point differential of +1.9. Larry Drew replaced Mike Woodson and had the Hawks off to a blazing start, gathering 6 wins before dropping 3 in a row. They look to get back on track at Conseco Fieldhouse.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Darren Collison, Tyler Hansbrough - Ankle: Out
Jeff Foster - Ankle: Maybe
Hawks
None.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Keep the tempo up. The Hawks, despite their athleticism, play at a very slow pace. Take them out of their rhythm by pushing the tempo.
-Contain the frontcourt. Keeping Smith and Horford in check goes a long way in disrupting the Hawks offense.
THE TRADITION
