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PACERS vs. ATLANTA HAWKS Tonight at 7:00, Conseco Fieldhouse TV: Fox Sports Indiana Radio: 1070 The Fan Video preview | Injury Report presented by Ortho Indy | Buy Tickets |
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 Jim O'Brien |
Scouting Report
After five straight down-to-the wire games, one win, three losses by a combined total of six points and one overtime defeat, the Pacers have dropped 10 games below .500 into 14th in the Eastern Conference. It would be easy to reach the conclusion they're reeling but that isn't the case. With 50 games remaining, they're just 3½ games out of eighth place in the East, have weathered the toughest part of their schedule and look forward to the return of Mike Dunleavy, possibly sometime in January. They routed the Hawks 113-96 on Nov. 18 but Atlanta did not have Josh Smith and lost Al Horford to injury early in the game. The Hawks are riding a five-game winning streak and coming off a 109-91 rout of Denver Monday night in Atlanta. They've won eight of nine, a span that also includes victories over the Pistons, Cavs and Heat.
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 Mike Woodson |
 Jarrett Jack |
Point Guard
The Pacers likely will have to play at least one more game without T.J. Ford, who's struggling with a lower back injury. Jarrett Jack has struggled of late, shooting 7-of-24 and committing 12 turnovers in the last three games but he's a bulldog who can be relied upon for stout defense and plenty of energy. The acquisition of Mike Bibby during last season really marked the beginning of the Hawks' turnaround, the veteran point guard providing a stabilizing influence for this talented young group.
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 Mike Bibby |
 Marquis Daniels |
Shooting Guard
In a strange way, Marquis Daniels' output of just seven points against the Hornets Sunday signals good news for the Pacers. Each of the three previous times he failed to score in double figures this season, Daniels followed up with a game of at least 20 points. Those have become more the norm of late anyway as he continues his emergence as one of the league's most improved players. Joe Johnson is the heart of the Hawks' offense, an active scorer who can beat you inside and/or out. He's one of the least-heralded superstars in the game but make no mistake, he is a truly elite talent.
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 Joe Johnson |
 Danny Granger |
Small Forward
Danny Granger has been on a prolific roll, averaging 30 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 8.7 free-throw attempts in the last seven games. He continues to add layers to his game and is proving to be much more than just a scorer. Don't be deceived by Josh Smith's relatively modest numbers. He missed much of November with an ankle sprain and appears to be rounding into form of late. An explosive athlete capable of taking over the game, Smith is integral to the Hawks' success.
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 Josh Smith |
 Troy Murphy |
Power Forward
This is a matchup of big guys who are most productive offensively on the perimeter. Troy Murphy has been a consistently strong rebounder, averaging 13.7 in his last six games including 16 against the Hornets, although his scoring has tended to fluctuate more. Marvin Williams hasn't yet made Hawks fans forget Chris Paul – the guy the team didn't draft in 2005 – but he has developed into a productive power forward.
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 Marvin Williams |
 Roy Hibbert |
Center
In the last two games, Roy Hibbert has scored 34 points in 30 minutes, made 14-of-21 shoots and pulled eight rebounds. He's also committed 10 fouls which explains why he consistently starts but rarely finishes. His size and strength could be a big factor against the Hawks, who lean on Al Horford for defensive energy and activity around the basket. Horford is athletic but lacks the size to contend with Hibbert – if the latter can stay on the floor.
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 Al Horford |
 Travis Diener |
Bench
As his left foot becomes less troublesome, Travis Diener has been a solid producer off the bench, averaging 8.3 points and making 8-of-16 from the 3-point line in the last four games. Jeff Foster's minutes have dropped off in the last two games but he's far too valuable to remain a bit player. After showing quite a bit of promise while starting four straight games, Brandon Rush has gone back into a shell, totaling six shots in 57 minutes in the last two games. Atlanta's second unit is led by ex-Pacers Flip Murray, Maurice Evans and Zaza Pachulia.
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 Flip Murray |
