Game Time: 7:00 p.m.
TV/Radio: FSI, 1070 the FAN
Matchup (Courtesy of pacers.com)
The Indiana Pacers will face the Washington Wizards for the second time this season Monday night. Coming off a loss in New York, the Pacers must refocus after a Sunday afternoon game where they struggled shooting, taking care of the ball, and lacked an inside game.
Last time the Pacers and Wizards met (Nov. 10), Lance Stephenson started his first meaningful game of his young career and has stayed in that role ever since.
The Wizards are in the midst of a home stand where they play five of six games in D.C. They are especially dangerous right now as they are still seeking their first win of the year. They have been in almost every game and have only lost once by more than 10 points. Coach Wittman has been without John Wall and Nene all year, two starters and integral players in their system.
Without their leaders, a number of guys have had to step up and do their share. Through eight games, the Wizards are led by Jordan Crawford in scoring (12.4), Emeka Okafor in rebounding (7) and former Pacers player A.J. Price in assists (6.4). They are last in the league in points per game and field goal percentage; the Pacers are also in the bottom tier of points (28th), field goal percentage (29th) and free throw percentage (25th).
The Pacers haven’t won a road game since opening night; the Wizards haven’t won at all. One streak will end Monday night.
Pacers
C – Roy Hibbert/Mahinmi/Plumlee
F – David West/Hansbrough/Pendergraph
F – Paul George/Gerald Green
G – Lance Stephenson/Sam Young/Johnson
G – George Hill/Augustin/B. Hansbrough
Wizards
C – Emeka Okafor//Seraphin/Earl Barron
F – Trevor Booker/Jan Vesely/Singleton
F – Trevor Ariza/Martin
G – Bradley Beal/Webster/Livingston
G – A.J. Price/Jordan Crawford
Injury Update
Pacers: Danny Granger (out, left knee)
Wizards: John Wall (out, left knee); Nene (out, left foot)
Noteworthy
The Pacers have won the last seven meetings, including three straight at the Verizon Center.
Indianapolis native Randy Wittman is the head man in D.C., and is assisted by Jerry Sichting, who played at Purdue University and then with the Pacers from 1980-85.
Last Meeting
These two teams met ten days ago in Indianapolis, with the Pacers narrowly winning 89-85. The game was tied at 49 after two quarters and was tight most of the way. The Wizards went cold in the final period and were outscored 19-13.
Up to that point, Paul George played his most complete and efficient game, finishing with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, seven rebounds and three assists. Gerald Green chipped in 15 and Lance Stephenson scored 12.
A.J. Price had a fantastic return against his former team. He recorded a double-double—12 points and a career-high 14 rebounds with zero turnovers—in over 36 minutes of action.
Tradition
Go Pacers!!!
