THE SKINNY
The Pacers got decimated by the Utah Jazz in a display of futility from a tired team. Now with a little more gas in the tanks, the Pacers face a markedly easier opponent, the Phoenix Suns. In past matchups, the Phoenix Suns dominated the Pacers behind the potent scoring of Amare Stoudemire. Now the teams are on more equal ground, with the Suns disappointing this season and the Pacers a pleasant surprise.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Steve Nash is old enough to be Darren Collison's father. Despite this, Nash is still a potent scorer, and an absolutely thrilling passer. Collison's shooting game is picking up, but his turnovers against Utah took away from his effectiveness. He can't afford to turn it over as many times against a fastbreaking team like Phoenix. He should use his quickness to challenge Nash on offense and cut off lanes on defense.
Shooting Guard
Brandon Rush gets the starting nod to slow down the potent offense of Jason Richardson. Richardson has become the #1 option in Phoenix following the departure of Amare Stoudemire. If Rush can contain him while looking to score, the Suns will have a hard time on both ends of the floor.
Small Forward
Danny Granger followed his 37-point explosion against the Kings with a 6-16 performance in 30 tired minutes of play. He has had success in Phoenix, and a matchup against the lengthy and crafty Grant Hill could prove interesting. Grant Hill may have a little rust on the wheels, but he is still capable of good passing and good shooting.
Power Forward
Josh McRoberts may not be able to knock down the 3 like Channing Frye, but he can't be left open and he can also be a force on the boards. Channing Frye is not an easy cover because of his range, but his size is a liability on the inside, allowing for the Pacers to match up more easily with him with the athletic rotation at the 4.
Center
With Robin Lopez out with injury, the Suns call upon Earl Barron to replace his hustle and tenacity. Roy Hibbert will probably be doubled frequently by the quicker Suns, so his passing should come into play. He shouldn't take this game for granted, and if he seizes the opportunity, the Pacers should have a considerably easier time in getting the offense working.
THE BENCH
Mike Dunleavy moves to the position where many Pacers fans envisioned for him prior to the season: sixth man. He has been moved from the starting lineup in favor of defense. Hedo Turkoglu was supposed to be a great lift for the Phoenix Suns but has thus far been disappointing, earning numbers inferior to Mike Dunleavy. TJ Ford has been shooting badly from the field, and Goran Dragic has been reasonably effective off the bench. James Posey will match up better with the frontcourt of the Suns. Hakim Warrick is a goo finisher and should be an integral part of the Suns offense with Robin Lopez out.
THE COACHES
Jim O'Brien may be winning support, but he needs to continue to make good decisions to earn an extension. Alvin Gentry has the Suns team under where they would like to be, with a .500 record. The road to the playoffs in the West will be much more difficult for them. The Pacers look to jump to the top of the Central Division with a win against the Suns and a Bulls loss against the Celtics.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
None
Suns
Robin Lopes - Knee: Out.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Rebound. The Suns are a little thin in the frontcourt, but the wings are capable of rebounding. Rush and Granger should step up their box-out game.
-Take advantage of size. Settling for jumpers and 3's makes life easier for the Suns. Use the size advantage inside.
THE TRADITION
