THE SKINNY
While the Pacers played an ugly game against Charlotte at home, the Hawks were in San Antonio getting manhandled by the Spurs. Both teams got on a plane yesterday and arrived in Atlanta today. The Pacers have not had much success against the Atlanta Hawks over the last two years, and hope to finally post a statement win in Atlanta.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison gathered 7 assists in a victory over the Bobcats, which is something he hasn't done in 7 games. He didn't get a chance to face off against the Hawks because he was injured during the last meeting, so hopefully his play will be a positive contribution. His speed against the aging Mike Bibby will be an asset, especially trying to control tempo away.
Shooting Guard
Mike Dunleavy is shooting pedestrian numbers, but he is one of the few Pacers rebounding better than their matchup. He moves very well without the ball and is cutting into places that earn Roy Hibbert and Josh McRoberts bountiful assists. He is not very effective on the road, however, and neither is Brandon Rush, so one of them needs to step up and give the Hawks something to worry about from the 2 spot. Marvin Williams isn't Joe Johnson, but he's had good shooting games against the Pacers.
Small Forward
Danny Granger finds himself outmatched in size and athleticism against Josh Smith. He needs to use his perimeter game on offense and quick hands on defense to force Smoove to work. He also cannot be afraid of his shotblocking and take it inside. Josh Smith has shown the range, shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. The rest of his versatile game is also above his career averages, so Granger needs to step up and show who the all-star is.
Power Forward
Josh McRoberts only collected 1 rebound against the Bobcats. His rebounding intensity has diminished since the beginning of the season, and the Pacers are suffering as a result. His boxing out in particular has been lackluster and he is content to chill out on the perimeter to get open three-point attempts. Al Horford is an all-star who cannot be afforded that kind of leeway, and he should always have a body on him when the ball comes off the rim.
Center
Hibbert took to heart the rebounding deficiencies of the Pacers and took it upon himself to collect as many rebounds as he could, totalling 14 against Charlotte. The Pacers were still outrebounded by 12. He needs backup, especially against the potent frontcourt of the Atlanta Hawks.
THE BENCH
Brandon Rush came out with his 6th double-digit game yesterday, tying his mark for all of last season. Jamal Crawford is going to take on more scoring responsibility with Joe Johnson out. TJ Ford continues to struggle from the field, taking fewer attempts and converting even less. James Posey is leading the team in charges drawn.
THE COACHES
Jim O'Brien needs to find a roster that can outrebound the opposing team. If the team holds opponents to low shooting but gives them more than one opportunity to try, it mitigates the advantage. Larry Drew is struggling with a very Pacer-like plethora of injuries and has to move players out of their natural positions.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
None.
Hawks
Pape Sy - Back: Out.
Joe Johnson - Elbow: Out.
Zaza Pachulia - Flu: Maybe.
Josh Smith - Cramps(*snicker*): Probably
THE HEAVY MATTERS
[imghttp://thehostages.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/wendy-fiore.jpg[/img]
-Box out. The Pacers are still getting outrebounded, and that cannot happen in an away game.
-Take advantage of depth. The Hawks are going to be more tired than the Pacers, and there are some bench players on the Pacers that could have a lot of juice left.
THE TRADITION
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR HIBBERT!
I don't have candles, so let's just use tradition pics
