 |
PACERS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER Monday, 7 p.m., Conseco Fieldhouse TV: FSI Radio: 1070 The Fan Injury Report presented by Ortho Indy Buy Tickets |
 |
 Jim O'Brien |
Scouting Report
Here's the good news: Marquis Daniels is shooting 54 percent inside the 3-point line. Of course, he's 4-of-21 from the arc, which has been about the only hole in his solid all-around game to this point. He's averaging 15.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists and in the last two games has matched up defensively against LeBron James and Vince Carter. Jeff Green isn't in that category but neither does he represent a night off. He's a smooth, deceptive athlete with a nice shooting touch.
|
 Lawrence Frank |
 T.J. Ford |
Point Guard
One assist and one rebound away from a triple-double Saturday, T.J. Ford is settling into Jim O'Brien's system nicely. He's scored in double figures in all five games, ranking as the team's second-leading scorer (16.0) and has 26 assists against 10 turnovers. Though the Thunder starts veteran Earl Watson, a gritty player, the future of the position is in the hands of first-round pick Westbrook.
|
 Earl Watson |
 Marquis Daniels |
Shooting Guard
Here's the good news: Marquis Daniels is shooting 54 percent inside the 3-point line. Of course, he's 4-of-21 from the arc, which has been about the only hole in his solid all-around game to this point. He's averaging 15.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists and in the last two games has matched up defensively against LeBron James and Vince Carter. Jeff Green isn't in that category but neither does he represent a night off. He's a smooth, deceptive athlete with a nice shooting touch.
|
 Jeff Green |
 Danny Granger |
Small Forward
With Daniels in the lineup, Granger hasn't been required to match up with the opposing team's top scorer, as was the case when Mike Dunleavy started at the other wing, and his offensive game has flourished. Granger has scored at least 20 points in nine straight games, and in his last 21 games has averaged 24.9 points, second in the East to Cleveland's James. Granger will have to work both ends in this one because Durant is an explosive, aggressive scorer with the ability to shoot over the top or penetrate. His length and athleticism could give Granger problems.
|
 Kevin Durant |
 Troy Murphy |
Power Forward
With his third double-double in five games (17 points, 10 rebounds) against the Nets, Troy Murphy continues to average a double-double (11.6 points, 10.4 rebounds) and his 3-point shooting (12-of-24) has been a big weapon. The Thunder's Nick Collison is a grinder who is very active around the basket but can step out and shoot from 15-18 feet but isn't a major scoring threat.
|
 Nick Collison |
 Jeff Foster |
Center
Jeff Foster's energy level is always critical for the Pacers but with the team playing its third game in four nights, it will be moreso against the Thunder. Foster had 12 points and 13 boards against the Nets. Johan Petro is a long, lean, athletic runner-dunker type but lacks a true post game. Foster will have to keep a body on him, though, because of Petro's energy around the rim.
|
 Johan Petro |
 Jarrett Jack |
Bench
The Pacers' bench has been outscored in all five games by an average of nine points. Given the reliance on rookies Roy Hibbert and Brandon Rush, the early struggles aren't entirely surprising. Both players are showing signs of progress but neither is approaching the needed consistency. Oklahoma City brings two strong weapons off the bench in Westbrook and veteran Desmond Mason, who has the energy and explosiveness to change a game when he enters.
|
 Russell Westbrook |
