THE SKINNY
The Pacers came out after a coaching change and already looked fresh, if a bit uncoordinated, against the Raptors. Now with more practice under their belts, they face another slumping opponent in the 21-losses-in-a-row Cleveland Cavaliers. If anything, the losing streak will make Cleveland more desperate and dangerous, so hopefully some of the kinks shown on Monday have been worked out.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison goes from defending a shooter in Calderon to a driver in Sessions. After a mediocre defensive showing against Calderon, Collison needs to tighten up his shoelaces and dig in, as Sessions can be a prolific scorer (his career high stands at 44). He can use his quickness on defense, too, so Collison needs to utilize all of his tricks to win this matchup.
Shooting Guard
Undrafted Manny Harris has scored back-to-back 20 point games, shooting 44% from 3 in that span. Despite his spark, the Cavaliers were not able to pull off victories. Dunleavy's minutes sat at around 28 against the Raptors despite Rush's injury, with Dahntay Jones getting reinserted to the rotation. Dunleavy needs to take advantage of Harris' inexperience with his smart play and really attack this matchup on both ends of the floor.
Small Forward
Anthony Parker is still nursing a sore back, but coach Scott is considering inserting him into the starting lineup. Danny Granger should rebound from his poor showing against the Raptors against a team that he has done well against in recent history, especially without Jamario Moon hounding him.
Power Forward
Tyler Hansbrough has publicly stated that it's easier to prepare now that he knows he's getting consistent minutes. McRoberts may still get the starting nod, but given Hansbrough's 14 and 6 night in just 15 minutes (!) of play, Hansbrough looks like the more productive player at the PF spot. He scored on his jumper several times throughout the night, turning around on opponents at times, as well as muscling his way inside for his patented hustle points. Going against Ed Davis and Andrea Bargnani is different than facing the veteran Antawn Jamison, however.
Center
Roy Hibbert took a lot of shots against the Raptors, but for the first time, he was sinking them at a consistent clip. He can build upon that by playing the tall man against JJ Hickson, but he can't let Hickson outmuscle him or it will be a long night. Hickson is playing out of position, so Hibbert needs to make that his advantage on both ends of the floor.
THE BENCH
I'm so happy that the pictures here actually get the right minutes. Before I would choose Posey sometimes and then he wouldn't play, and then Solo, and then McBob. I would be happy just to get 2/3. Now I want to consider putting AJ Price and Dahntay Jones up here.
THE COACHES
Vogel cut his teeth against the Raptors, and now gets a chance to begin putting something together against the Cavs. Byron Scott is struggling to find where the talent is. Unfortunately, the team has very little after Lebron left.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Brandon Rush - Ankle: Out.
Cavs
Daniel Gibson - Quadriceps: Out.
Leon Powe - Knee: Out.
Anderson Varejao - Ankle: Out.
Mo Williams - Hip & Groin: Out.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Limit turnovers. They let Toronto back into a game that should've been a blowout.
-Attack the wings. Dunleavy, Granger, Jones, and George should be looking to take it inside. The Cavaliers lack shotblocking.
THE TRADITION
