Look out below.
THE SKINNY
The number three seed Pacers play host to the number six seed Magic in the opening round of the playoffs. The Pacers look to assert their dominance and gain some momentum with which to face the next opponent. The Magic are trying to keep their hopes alive and prove that they are a strong team even without the presence of a Superman. These two teams are coming into the playoffs seemingly headed in opposite directions. However, the Magic were 3-1 against the Pacers during the regular season.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
After insertion into the starting lineup, George Hill and the starting unit have been firing on all cylinders, producing triple-digit outputs with regularity. Meanwhile, the Magic have been outputting much below their season average without Howard to attract defensive attention. Jameer Nelson has had problems being a consistent producer this season, shooting a career-low from the field.
Shooting Guard
Paul George has been quieter as of late, but is probably the x-factor when it comes to the Pacers' playoff chances. The Magic have been running different lineups for a while now, but whoever is running SG for the Magic will be an assassin from deep. The Pacers need to come prepared to defend the pick and roll, and close out on shooters. Richardson isn't just a shooter, so George has to be his usual defensive self.
Small Forward
One thing is clear. When Granger does well, so do the Pacers. He needs to be efficient against a defense that has lost its biggest piece. Hedo Turkoglu is a very smart passer whose decision-making is very solid. He will be masked this game, but one-on-one against Granger is what the Pacers want to create.
Power Forward
This is where the matchups get interesting. The Magic will be able to stretch the Pacers, but the Pacers own the strength advantage. West will have to stay down on defense, and focus on rebounding. Ryan Anderson has been shooting it well all season, but when Howard went out it became much less easy for him to get his shots off. It is possible the Pacers go small to match up with the Magic and still have the talent advantage with Granger at the 4.
Center
Glen Davis is a deceptively quick big man whose wide body and balance will challenge Hibbert. Roy should establish himself in the absence of Howard as the best big center in the series, and impact it as such. This is the time where his all-star status will be tested, as well as his worth going into next season.
THE BENCH
With Collison and Hansbrough manning the bench mob, the Pacers will need to find ways to press their advantage against a depleted but still sharpshooting Magic bench. Earl Clark has found ways to be effective, JJ Redick can heat up. The reserves have been routinely outscored by opposing benches, so the return of Barbosa and his playoff experience should help the Pacers get some offense going. The bench has a tendency to be inefficient.
THE COACHES
Awkward doesn't even begin to describe Van Gundy's relationship with Dwight Howard. Frank Vogel is being mentioned by some as a COY candidate. The real test for Vogel is how he adjusts in a long playoff series when he and his team are outmatched from an experience standpoint.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
None.
Magic
Glen Davis: Ankle - Maybe.
Dwight Howard: Disc - No.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Do not underestimate the opponent. The Pacers have to put the pedal to the metal and play 48 full minutes.
-Win the battle of the boards. The best way to disable shooters is to not let them have the ball.
-Limit turnovers for similar reasons.
THE TRADITION: Best of 7
