THE SKINNY
The Pacers continue their road trip with two tough tests in a row. Miami and Boston are both contenders in the East and coming out of these games 4-3 will really be a blow to the Pacers. However, the good news is the Pacers really got the ball moving (literally) on offense against the Nets and Heat guard Dwyane Wade may be out for the game.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison is averaging career-highs from the field and in the assists column while averaging career-low in turnovers. His piloting of this team will be a huge factor in getting the offense clicking against a tough defensive opponent. Chalmers is an easier cover for Collison compared to some of the other point guards he's had to face, but is by no means a liability, able to hit big shots when it counts and play defense.
Shooting Guard
If Dwyane plays, Paul George has his biggest test of the season. If he doesn't, then former Pacer James Jones will fill the role with his three-point shooting stroke, or Shane Battier will step in. George filled it up himself from deep for 21 points, and his offensive participation is correlated to how well the Pacers do overall.
Small Forward
Whether it's chemistry, confidence, or just plain luck, Danny Granger is not finding the bottom of the net. It's not going to be any easier with Lebron guarding him. Lebron James, on the other hand, has ditched 3-point shooting in favor of attacking the basket for a clip of 60% from the field and nearly 30 points a game. He is the unquestioned focal point of this offense and the Pacers need to make him their top priority.
Power Forward
David West faces a more athletic, younger version of himself in Chris Bosh. There are many comparisons between the rangy, crafty forwards, but at this stage in his career and so far this season, West has been more of a vocal leader and an enforcer inside. While he is not shooting particularly well, West is securing the ball. He has turned the ball over 3 times the whole season.
Center
Roy Hibbert's steady development has been instrumental in the Pacers 4-1 start, and he looks to sustain it this time, instead of hitting the wall like he did last season. The center position is where the Heat have the most obvious deficiencies, but Joel Anthony is not going to make it easy for Hibbert to get his points. Hibbert must also take care not to get in foul trouble when Lebron inevitably makes his way inside.
THE BENCH
Hansbrough and Haslem are both midrange shooting power forwards, but Hansbrough's shot has been more ineffectual this season. Haslem, on the other hand, has made it a habit to kill the Pacers with that shot of his over the years. The addition of Norris Cole and Shane Battier has done its part in bolstering the Heat bench, so they now have some depth to contend with the Pacers.
THE COACHES
Frank Vogel and Erik Spoelstra are both young coaches who have lofty expectations that they both expect to meet. Spoelstra's team came out of the gate looking more battle-ready, but Vogel has the hours put in and the Nets game might be what the Pacers needed to get into an offensive groove.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Jeff Foster: Back - Probably not.
Jeff Pendergraph: Knee - Probably not.
Heat
Dwyane Wade: Foot - Probably not.
Mickell Gladness: Foot - Who?
Mike Miller: Hernia - Out.
Eddy Curry: Hip - Out.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Win the battle of the boards. The best way to neutralize an opponent is to keep the ball away from them.
-Communicate on defense. Keeping everyone covered is more important than trying to stop Lebron.
THE TRADITION
BEAT THE HEAT!
