THE SKINNY
The Pacers are coming off a heartbreaking loss against the Golden State Warriors, after allowing the home team to storm back while turning the ball over a dismal 20 times. Now the Pacers head into Portland to take on a streaking team deep enough to perform even hampered with injuries. With Bird's statement that the team should be winning more games, the Indiana Pacers need to put some space between them and the 8th seed.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison had 4 turnovers against the Warriors, which he cannot repeat against the Blazers. He is faster than Andre Miller, but not as strong, so defense will be challenging on both guards. There will be lots of opportunities to push the tempo and get easy points, but Portland will be up to the task of running, so better execution in the half-court sets is a must for Collison. The pull-up jumper will get a lot of burn today.
Shooting Guard
Brandon Rush didn't work the ball against the Warriors with Granger firing on all cylinders. He has the challenge of guarding a good shooter in Wesley Matthews. Rush can challenge Matthews with his own shooting percentages (including a better 3-point clip) as well as his defense.
Small Forward
Danny Granger earned another double-double against the Warriors, but turned the ball over 7 times. He has to take care of the ball better against Nicolas Batum, an athletic defender. Granger also needs to take Batum out of the game by restricting him to jumpers. Granger needs to match energy if he wants to come close to his performance on Wednesday.
Power Forward
Tyler Hansbrough always seems to get out to a fast start, and then gets benched for the remainder of the game. He set a blistering pace against the Warriors with 10 points in the 1st quarter and then played just 12 minutes the rest of the game, totaling 6 points in the remainder. Against a depleted Blazers frontline, he should be able to find the same early success that he did against the defensively inept Warriors frontline.
Center
It's hard to say who starts here today. Hibbert's still a little under the weather and McRoberts started last game with Foster finishing. LeMarcus Aldridge starts in the middle for Portland and his athleticism and shooting range have earned him career numbers in points and rebounds.
THE BENCH
The Portland bench is still dangerous despite the injuries. Rudy Fernandez is a dangerous shooter, Przybilla is a good post defender, and Patty Mills has a girl's name. The Pacers bench needs to step up.
THE COACHES
There are rumblings now that Jim O'Brien is not satisfying the Pacers front office, even though he was publicly defended by Larry Bird. Nate McMillan on the other hand, is a Coach of the Year candidate for keeping the Blazers afloat despite injuries.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Roy Hibbert - Cooties: Game-time decision.
Blazers
Brandon Roy - Hardaway Syndrome: Out.
Greg Oden - Walton/Yao Complex: Out.
Elliot Williams - Knee: Out.
Marcus Camby - Knee: Out.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Stop the Spurs on the perimeter. Parker and Ginobili and Hil off the bench present speedy threats to space the floor. The Pacers have to match or get burned.
-Stop sucking.
THE TRADITION
WET T-SHIRTS!
