Saturday, December 22nd at 8:00 PM EST at New Orleans Arena
Game Preview: IND at NOH
by Scott Agness | December 21, 2012
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Matchup
The Pacers conclude their ninth back-to-back series of the season and sixth game in nine days on Saturday in the Big Easy. Then, they’ll have three days between games for rest, practice and time with family during the holidays.
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When you think about the Hornets, you either think of Indianapolis native Eric Gordon, who hasn’t played a minute all season, or top-pick Anthony Davis. Gordon is battling a knee issue that’s not conclusive and similar in nature to Danny Granger’s. He’s been out in Los Angeles, where he played his first three seasons, rehabbing and strengthening his sore knee. He arrived back in New Orleans Friday night and will rejoin the team, but it is unclear when he might return to action.
As for Davis, he, too, has fought to stay on the court. A stress reaction in his left foot has kept him out for more than half of their games, including their last matchup with the Pacers. While on the court, the 6-foot-10 center is averaging almost 15 points and eight rebounds per outing.
With Davis, Ryan Anderson, and Robin Lopez in the middle, the Hornets’ have a focus on their inside game. They also, however, have guys around the perimeter that can knock down open shots when the defense sinks. New Orleans is fourth in the NBA in three-point percentage at 39 percent. Anderson, Jason Smith and Roger Mason Jr., are players the Pacers should avoid fouling because they shoot 90 percent from the charity line.
Losers of 10 in a row, the Hornets badly need a win. They returned overnight from a four-game road trip out west and so they’ll likely be a bit drained. Not to mention, the Hornets have the worst record in the Western Conference (5-21) and second-to-worst record in the NBA.
Probable Starters
George Hill
Lance Stephenson
David West
Paul George
Roy Hibbert
Austin Rivers
Greivis Vazquez
Lance Thomas
Robin Lopez
Anthony Davis
Injury Update
Pacers: Danny Granger (out, left knee), Roy Hibbert (probable, bruised left thigh), Lance Stephenson (probable, sprained right ankle), Gerald Green (questionable, sprained left ankle)
Cavs: Eric Gordon (out, sore right knee), Jason Smith (out, right shoulder strain)
Noteworthy
- Indiana has won the last three meetings.
- The Pacers have scored 40+ points in the paint in each of the last seven games.
- Both Danny Granger and D.J. Augustin were born in New Orleans.
- David West played for the Hornets from 2003-2011 and is second in franchise history in points and rebounds.
Last Meeting
Paul George's best output in his young career helped the Pacers finish off the Hornets in overtime, 115-107, at home on November 21st. George scored 37 points and set a franchise for most three-pointers in a game with nine, topping the previous high set by Hall of Famer Reggie Miller.
Down four at half, the Pacers used a big third quarter to even up the game. After heading to extra time, Indiana outscored New Orleans 18-10, with George contributing 10 points.
Roy Hibbert posted his first triple-double (10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 blocks) and six Pacers in total scored in double figures, which aided to the teams’ highest point-total of the season.
Robin Lopez registered his first double-double of the season (21 points and 13 rebounds) and made a career-high 15 free throws. Al-Farouq Aminu had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Jason Smith scored a season-high 18 points off the bench.
Broadcast Information | Find Local Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana – Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Brooke Olzendam (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 1070 The Fan, Pacers Radio Network - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Michael Grady (host)
Next Home Game
The Pacers next home game is against their Central Division rival, the Chicago Bulls. The game is on Wednesday, December 26 at 7:00 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Buy Tickets »
