Look out below.
THE SKINNY
The Pacers find themselves on the cusp of winning a playoff series for the first time in 7 years. They have homecourt advantage and are riding a 3-game win streak. However, with all the factors in favor of the Pacers, they are facing the prototypical nothing-left-to-lose opponent, and Orlando has the potential for another upset on the Pacers' home floor.
THE LINEUPS
Point Guard
George Hill came up clutch for the Pacers in overtime. Jameer Nelson has been kept to mediocre shooting numbers the whole series, and for that to continue he needs to be kept out of the paint.
Shooting Guard
Larry Bird thinks Paul George can be more assertive. After starting the year on fire from deep, George is now 0-13 in the series. Jason Richardson found his rhythm in the Orlando comeback in game 4, so George has to find ways for his talent to transfer into success in the matchup.
Small Forward
Granger's shooting may be flaky, but he has taken it upon himself to go after the boards in this series. He has to continue to find ways to be more efficient. Hedo Turkoglu is a player who fits his role and finds his spots. Granger should work to disrupt that because Hedo facilitates so well for this offense and makes great decisions.
Power Forward
David West is key right now. As long as he doesn't tiptoe around the baseline. Ryan Anderson, the MIP, is struggling in the series, but he might be the most dangerous weapon on the Magic.
Center
Glen Davis is shining in this series, while Hibbert is averaging a double-double himself and leading the league in blocked shots and rebounds for the playoffs. Hibbert looks to step up his pick-and-roll defense by anticipating and mobilizing quicker to personally make sure that after the three-point shot is shut down, he will be there to snuff out the rest.
THE BENCH
Collison produced off the bench, with 11-9-2 in just 18(!) minutes of play. He has yet to turn the ball over in the series. The rest of the bench isn't faring so well. JJ Redick is routinely finding ways to contribute, so attention must be placed on him.
THE COACHES
Vogel and Van Gundy both have confidence that their teams can surprise people. Before Vogel gets to surprise anyone, he has to make it past round 1. If he can keep his team focused and erase any 4th-quarter complacency, the Pacers will be able to close out the series tonight.
THE INJURY REPORT
Pacers
None.
Magic
Dwight Howard: Disc - No.
THE HEAVY MATTERS
-Stay hungry. 48 minutes of playing better baskeball to close it out.
-Convert at the line. Pacers have to carry over their regular-season free-throw shooting success.
-Play every quarter like it's the 3rd.
THE TRADITION: Best of 7
