THE SKINNY
The good news is that Charlotte has been losing even more. The Pacers have a 2.5 game cushion before falling out of the playoffs. The bad news is that the Philly is 5 games in front of the Pacers, in the goal goal of 7th seed. In losing 3 straight on a tough road trip, the Pacers have encountered frustration that came to head in the locker room. They are angry and hopefully hungry for victory.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison's former teammate at UCLA has been having a great season, enjoying the statistical success Collison enjoyed as a rookie in New Orleans, including a triple-double. Holiday has shown accuracy in his shooting and great court vision. Collison needs to step up in the home stretch, not fade away with the last 15 starting point guards for the Pacers.
Shooting Guard
Jodie Meeks is a shooter. He is at 40% from deep and shoots over 90% from the line. He doesn't shoot nearly as well from inside the 3-point line so if Brandon Rush can close out on him while putting offensive pressure on him on the other side of the court, he should be good. Rush must be willing to attack. He isn't attempting shots off the dribble or driving as much as he needs to, and his movement both with and without the ball is lackadaisical. With Paul George and Dahntay Jones waiting in the wings, he needs to step up to keep starting.
Small Forward
In the battle of 1.5th options, Andre Iguodala is edging out Granger this season. His edge in athleticism and defense is making him more all-star worthy than Granger, who was only 4-13 against the Rockets. Granger needs to keep Iggy off the boards and clamp down on him on defense.
Power Forward
Elton Brand looks like he's back on the Clippers, scoring with tremendous efficiency and helps anchor the inside on defense. Despite being undersized, he can block shots and has quick hands. McRoberts needs to watch out on the post up and Brand's smooth midrange J.
Center
Spencer Hawes is the kind of center Roy Hibbert can dominate. Hibbert needs to play with assertiveness and get established early. Making him a dependable threat will give the Pacers a decided advantage inside.
THE BENCH
The 76ers bench can get really hot. The Pacers need to match their energy. Solomon Jones is in the rotation for Jeff Foster, whose ailing back needs special treatment in Boston.
THE COACHES
Vogel is not a Coach of the Year candidate like Doug Collins, and his team is 3-7 in their last 10. However, he is confident that his team can pull it together. The players' only meeting was a reported success. Hopefully his gameplan will see better execution and less hesitation.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Mike Dunleavy - Thumb: No.
Jeff Foster - Back: No.
76ers
None.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Move the ball, move themselves. The Pacers cannot stagnate.
-Finish strong inside. The Pacers are missing point-blank shots.
THE TRADITION
Four Eyes...
