THE SKINNY
Looking to improve upon their best streak of the season, the Pacers travel to New Jersey to take on the Nets. Only two games behind Philadelphia, the currently 8th-seeded Pacers look to not only put more distance between them and the 9th seed, but to also gain ground in the playoff race. It's no Superbowl, but it is a good game to win.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison performed well against Portland, not putting up gaudy numbers but directing the flow efficiently. The most important stat was the only one turnover her committed. He goes up against Devin Harris, a quick guard who is an excellent passer this season, nearly averaging 8 assists a game. What he hasn't done well thus far is score. Despite 15 points a game, Harris posts lowly 42% FG and 30% 3P percentages, numbers that make Danny Granger look like Kevin Durant.
Shooting Guard
Anthony Morrow can light anybody up and anybody can light Anthony Morrow up. Dunleavy needs to force Morrow off the 3-point line where he shoots a scorching 44%. Mike Dunleavy is one of the key players in the Pacers' rebounding identity established under Frank Vogel. He'll be even more important with Brook Lopez and Derrick Favors in the post.
Small Forward
Granger got after the boards against Portland, snatching an impressive 9 boards to go with 9 points from the charity stripe and a total of 25 points. Travis Outlaw is the starting small forward for the Nets but he isn't the most impressive offensive player. Granger needs to focus on taking him inside to get to the line, as that's a winning formula and it keeps him an efficient scorer.
Power Forward
McRoberts performed decently overall, with great efficiency but also with gullibility on the defensive end. He needs to show he has the smarts to stay the starting PF with Hansbrough taking 9 more minutes than him against Portland. Favors is a rookie, so if McRoberts plays within himself, he could be looking at a few easy scores. Derrick Favors has been having a quiet season, and has been in a slump as of late.
Center
In their last meeting, both centers did not perform how they wanted. Hibbert managed 7-12 shooting despite playing under coach O'Brien, but allowed Brook Lopez to shoot 12-17. However, Lopez was confined to 1 rebound the entire game. With rebounds being a key factor, Hibbert needs to conjure up a repeat performance and also stop Lopez from having his way inside.
THE BENCH
Tyler Hansbrough will have a fun time against Kris Humphries. Paul George should be looking to get his against the wings of New Jersey, who are definitely weaker than those of Portland's on both ends of the floor. Price needs to find his shooting touch after having a few ugly misses against Portland to finish 3-11, dropping him below 40% shooting for the year.
THE COACHES
Vogel is STILL undefeated. Frank the Tank is unstoppable. Avery Johnson has had trouble getting the young Nets to perform despite having two all-star talents and a very high draft pick on the team.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Brandon Rush - Ankle: Out.
Blazers
Jordan Farmar - Back: Out.
Damion Jones - Foot: Out.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Rebound. The Pacers have outrebounded their last three opponents by an average of 18 rebounds per game. Despite all the other kinks that need to get worked out, the Pacers have gone 3-0.
-Wings gotta take it inside against their counterparts.
THE TRADITION
You could say that but he's been surprisingly decent for us this year..