THE SKINNY
Defense and rebounding are the two tenets of the game the Pacers hang their hat on. After getting out-hustled in consecutive games, the Pacers look to bounce back in a big way in a tough weekend against Miami and Orlando. Miami has won the last two meetings without any sort of fight from the Pacers, which differs greatly from last season's series. The Pacers need to get back on track, and have the opportunity to prove themselves tonight.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
Darren Collison's poor play is a direct contribution to the Pacer's woes. For the team to do better, he needs to second-guess less and get the team going at the right tempo. Mario Chalmers has performed well on defense and offense, filling his role on a superstar team that is poised to win championships for a long time to come. Collison has to step up, especially with George Hill not there to back him up.
Shooting Guard
As part of a starting unit that isn't actually performing terribly, Paul George continues to hone his consistency. He has off nights on offense, but his defensive prowess is undeniable every night. He has not been able to get help running the floor, as the Pacers struggle on both ends in the fastbreak, but he can be the x-factor. Slowing down Dwyane Wade will be a challenge for anyone, but George has the capacity.
Small Forward
For all the criticisms, Lebron James can still play. Granger needs to not let James' defense turn him into a chucker, utilizing more midrange moves like stepbacks and ball fakes as well as getting inside without forcing it. On the other end, fouling hard if fouls have to be made and drawing charges are the kind of chippy things this team has to do if defending him straight up. Keeping it close is more important than anything.
Power Forward
When everything else is falling apart, David West can be counted on for some offense. Against Chris Bosh, he will have to get a body on him early, and punish him physically inside. Scoring will come, but the battle of the boards is far more important.
Center
Getting early post position is paramount for Hibbert's success. He needs to be a threat that the Heat feel like they need to double-team inside and then his passing to cutting teammates will be a factor, or his spin away from the double-team. He needs his fellow post man, whether it's West or Hansbrough to back him up.
THE BENCH
The depth of the Pacers used to be a weapon, but it has been faltering as of late. Having Foster and hill out again won't help matters, but there is a consistent deficiency. The young bench of the Pacers gets suckered into a lot of veteran tricks, and Shane Battier and Udonis Haslem have their fair share. Tyler has to get confidence back in his jumper so the opponent never gets a chance to relax.
THE COACHES
Frank Vogel's work at this point is critical. His disappointment in the two recent losses has been visible, but it is about consistency. If the Pacers can get a full 48 minutes of solid play, the result this time will be very different than the last two meetings.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Jeff Foster: Back - No.
George Hill: Shoulder - No.
Heat
None.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Get back on defense. Offensive rebounding and transition defense are weaknesses that opposing teams have managed to exploit.
-Fight inside. If the Pacers become a jumpshooting team, the Heat will win.
THE TRADITION
