THE SKINNY
It is the first playoff game for the Pacers in 4 years, and the 1st playoff game for most of the active roster. Chicago has the best record in the NBA, and the Pacers lag behind by 25 wins. Many have written the Pacers off as a sweep, and most Pacer fans themselves don't expect any miracles. However, it's about moving forward and experience. This young squad is looking to grow together, and trial by fire may be the best motivation for improvement in this offseason.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison has been eaten alive by the equal quickness and superior size of Derrick Rose. Most likely Collison will guard the 2. On offense he needs to make sound decisions and not be afraid to take it at people. Any chance to run must be seized, and any chance to pin fouls on bigs must also be taken.
Shooting Guard
Paul George heads the superior Pacers 2-spot, but with so much foul trouble and inconsistent play, it will be hard to tell whether he will be a factor or not. If George is going to be the wing of the future for these Pacers, he's going to have to show some flashes of it in this series.
Small Forward
Danny Granger has had critics question his effort on defense, his commitment to team play, his ability to take care of the ball, his ability to rebound, his ability to pass, his shot selection, and even the color of his bench-side civvies. This s do or die time for a man who is the leader of the team moving forward. If he doesn't elevate his game for the playoffs, it may be time to look to someone else to be the primary voice of the players.
Power Forward
Tyler Hansbrough is no stranger to playoffs. However, he is now playing one of the most elite teams at the most elite level for best-of-7 instead of one-and-done. His effort and passion has never been questioned. What remains to be seen is whether or not he can transform that into production.
Center
Roy Hibbert has had an up-and-down year. Promise and whispering of an all-star selection faded into despair and it levelled out somewhere around hopeful. He holds the key to this series. Time and time again history has taught that the playoffs are for big men to make the difference. In what looks to be a physical, defensive series, Hibbert must step up and be the anchor the Pacers need.
THE BENCH
The Goon Squad must live up to its name. Between the savvy Foster and the quick-draw AJ Price, the second unit cannot hide behind the first unit, especially against a stronger opponent.
THE COACHES
Coach of the Year candidate Tom Thibodeau has had a long time to acclimate himself to the coach's seat. In the Bull's 3rd win against the Pacers, Jim O'Brien got kicked out of the game, and was replaced by Frank Vogel days after. Now, Vogel heads into the playoffs with a winning record under his belt. The players have believed him in the past when facing adversity. Now, with the world against them, the Pacers and their fearless leader will be tested.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
None.
Bulls
Ronnie Brewer - Thumb: Probably.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-They say Rose needs to be contained. Funnily enough, the Pacers allowed him to go off for 42 in their lone win against this squad.
-Win the battle inside. A lot of things have to go right for an upset, but controlling the boards and getting looks inside is a surefire method of victory.
THE TRADITION
Finally in 2018! 16 year wait!/Keeley%20Hazell/keeley-hazell-5v_th.jpg)
