THE SKINNY
The Pacers find themselves in a freefall after dropping a heartbreaker to Miami and a poor showing in Orlando. The visiting Blazers are in a similar predicament, finding themselves 2-5 in their last 7, and under .500 for a team that was supposed to push for a playoff seed. The Pacers have no more back-to-back road games for the rest of the season, so defending homecourt should be an opportunity grasped firmly.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
From longtime Bobcat to journeyman in less than two seasons, Raymond Felton presents an interesting challenge to Darren Collison. Collison has enough height, but his weight is significantly lighter. He can really push the tempo on Felton, however, and that will be a key in this matchup.
Shooting Guard
It's not often George contends with another shooting guard who can match his length. George has put together two back-to-back 20 point nights on some very impressive shooting. He is matched up against a different type of player than he usually feasts on in Batum, but if he continues to play good defense, he will get his offense.
Small Forward
Reunited with his Bobcat running mate, Gerald Wallace completes a very stout wing tandem with Batum. They are both long, athletic, and good defenders. Granger has seen his fair share of Gerald Wallace, and this will be a familiar matchup in some ways, but circumstances have changed quite a bit.
Power Forward
LaMarcus Aldridge is now the undisputed star of the Blazers, and his dangerous offensive length, athleticism, and skill presents a challenge for the frontline of the Pacers. He's not the most prolific rebounder, but David West needs to keep a body on him.
Center
Roy Hibbert hasn't had a complete all-star type game since he dropped 30 and 13 on New Orleans. He has struggled to find consistency on offense, and teams are playing him differently than they were in the beginning of the season, so he must adjust accordingly. Marcus Camby will be a good test.
THE BENCH
Without George Hill, players like Lance Stephenson need to pick up the slack. Stephenson, who is suppoed to be a scorer, is 0-4 in the absence of Hill, and needs to focus on good basketball instead of potentially amazing plays.
THE COACHES
The top 5 players win share wise on this team (not including the oft-injured Foster) are Paul George, George Hill, Roy Hibbert, David West, and then Danny Granger. Then it's Tyler and then Collison. Vogel has plaed with rotations to try and keep one or two of these players on at all times.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
Jeff Foster: Back - No.
George Hill: Shoulder - Probably not.
Blazer
Greg Oden: Knee - No.
Elliot Williams: Shoulder - No.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Get Roy involved. The big man needs to be more aggressive when he gets the ball.
-Don't force things on the wings. Batum and Wallace have very active hands.
THE TRADITION
