THE SKINNY
People are beginning to take notice of the third best defensive team in the NBA. That's right. The Indiana Pacers are top-3 in opposing field goal percentage. With quickness at the point of attack, length at the wings, and intensity in the post, the Pacers have managed to hold their own against the potent offenses of Orlando, Miami, Oklahoma, and Los Angeles. Now they face a Sacramento team who is still struggling to find their identity.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison provided an offensive spark to push the Pacers to a double-digit lead over the Lakers. Luther Head played for the Pacers last season but didn't do much of anything, playing only 47 games. Collison hasn't earned the minutes that TJ Ford gets to close out tight games, but against a shoddy point guard rotation for the Kings, he can do a lot of damage in a little time. He's scored more than connected for assists this season, but Collison is still able to pilot the Pacers in the early going.
Shooting Guard
Michael Dunleavy continues to start for the Indiana Pacers, although Brandon Rush is seeing floor time late in games. His shooting has cooled off, but he's still quietly contributing a great deal to the Pacers' rebounding efforts, which is a big part of the defensive turnaround. Tyreke Evans is the reigning Rookie of the Year and has been placed in the same conversation as people like Oscar Robertson. He's been fighting a bug lately, but is still dangerous, especially once he gets inside, where he either finishes in spectacular fashion, or pins fouls on big men.
Small Forward
Danny Granger has been notably less prolific in his offense, and the Pacers overall offense remains about as middle-of-the-road in comparison to previous seasons. However, Granger has been a huge part of the defense, often checking the opposing best wing. The Sacramento Kings are starting Donte Greene, and Omri Casspi comes off the bench. Granger can have a big scoring night against the soft Kings rotation.
Power Forward
The versatile Jason Thompson starts for the Kings after beginning the season riding the pine. Carl Landry seems to have fallen out of favor with Coach Westphal and so has DeMarcus Cousins. Thompson has an offensive game that is difficult to defend, including a 20-foot jumper that gave the Pacers a hard time last season when Troy Murphy couldn't keep up. Josh McRoberts has had impressive dunks in almost every game, and his hustle has grabbed the attention of even the most casual observers. He has had foul trouble in previous games, so he needs to play smarter defense and hack a little less.
Center
Roy Hibbert was the best player for the Pacers on Sunday, thoroughly dominating Pau Gasol. Now he faces Samuel Dalembert, a good shot blocker and a crafty rebounder. If Hibbert wants to prove himself an all-star, he needs to build upon his last performance, not take a break.
THE BENCH
TJ Ford has played very well off the bench, making the most of his minutes and making sounder decisions than he did last season. James Posey plays all of his minutes at the 4, and it's been working thus far offensively when he drains open threes and defensively when he pesters opposing 4's. Brandon Rush is having a hell of a season, hanging tough with Kobe. Against Sacramento's wings, he should have more opportunities to find offense.
THE COACHES
Jim O'Brien's defensive philosophy is working. His offensive system still appears to stagnate at times and certain players are out of sync. For some, it's unfamiliarity. McRoberts is playing important minutes for the first time, Roy Hibbert is becoming the focal point for the first time, Darren Collison is in his first year in the system, and Mike Dunleavy us healthy for the first time in a long time.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Jeff Foster - Back: Maybe.
Kings
None.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Ratchet up the defensive intensity. A loss should not occur, and if the defense plays correctly, the crowd will be out of it, much like in the Lakers contest, and the Pacers can negate a lot of the homecourt advantage.
-Target the weak points. PG, SF, and C aren't the strongest positions for the Kings. Better talent at more positions is an advantage that should be exploited.
THE TRADITION: Hand-Bra Day
(7/4/15)
