Matchup
Injury-riddled Indiana hopes to snap a six-game losing streak on Monday night when they play host to Gordon Hayward and the Utah Jazz.
Last week, three more players joined the Pacers' extensive injury list. Rodney Stuckey missed the last three games with a sore left foot, C.J. Miles sat out Friday and Saturday night's contest with a migraine, and All-Star center Roy Hibbert left Saturday's loss to the Wizards in the first half with a bruised left knee. The injuries left the Blue-and-Gold without any of their projected starters and two of their top backups.
Still, the shorthanded Pacers continue to compete. On Saturday, Indiana rallied from a 22-point deficit to get within three points in the fourth quarter. Second-year forward Solomon Hill was spectacular, doubling his career high with 28 points on 10-of-19 shooting. In addition to Hill, several of the Pacers' reserves have stepped their game up considerably while playing extended minutes, but the team just hasn't been able to grind out a win.
Hopefully, the Pacers will get some reinforcements this week. Miles will be evaluated Sunday and conceivably could play on Monday night. Hibbert and Stuckey will also be evaluated early this week and head coach Frank Vogel said he is hopeful that David West (sprained ankle) and C.J. Watson (bruised foot) can return at the end of the week.
Utah, meanwhile, is off to an up-and-down start against a brutal early schedule. They've collected a few losses, but the Jazz also have a 27-point win over Phoenix and upset Cleveland on a buzzer-beating shot from Gordon Hayward. Utah's trip to Bankers Life Fieldhouse will be the second stop of their five-game Eastern Conference road trip.
The Jazz boast a strong starting lineup. Hayward, the Brownsburg alum and former Butler standout, is their best scorer. Forward Derrick Favors is always a threat to get a double-double. Enes Kanter is a solid young center. And the Jazz's backcourt of Trey Burke and Alec Burks is capable of putting up plenty of points.
Projected Starters
Donald Sloan
Solomon Hill
Chris Copeland
Luis Scola
Roy Hibbert
Trey Burke
Alec Burks
Gordon Hayward
Derrick Favors
Enes Kanter
Pacers: PG - Donald Sloan, SG - Solomon Hill, SF - Chris Copeland, PF - Luis Scola, C - Roy Hibbert
Jazz: PG - Trey Burke, SG - Alec Burks, SF - Gordon Hayward, PF - Derrick Favors, C - Enes Kanter
Injury Report
Pacers: Paul George - out (rehabilitation, fractured right tibia/fibula), George Hill - out (left knee contusion), C.J. Watson - out (bruised right foot), David West - out (sprained right ankle), Rodney Stuckey - out (sore left foot), C.J. Miles - questionable (migraine), Roy Hibbert - probable (bruised left knee)
Jazz: Rodney Hood - questionable (right plantar fascitis)
You Can Quote Me On That
"We can’t have any let downs. If we can fight back from 20 points, why can’t we do that to start the game, probably try to get up by 20 points?" -Pacers guard Solomon Hill
"I think adversity really kind of pulls people together. We’re a pretty tight knit group right now. We know we’re banged up a little bit and that’s what’s bringing us together even more. I think the adversity is really bringing us together." -Pacers forward Shayne Whittington
Last Meeting
March 2, 2014: The Pacers hung on late to beat the Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 94-91. Gordon Hayward had a shot to send the game to overtime, but 3-pointer just missed at the buzzer.
David West led Indiana with 25 points and six rebounds, and Paul George added 22 and six. Hayward had 21 points for Utah, while Derrick Favors (17 points and 10 rebounds) recorded a double-double.
Noteworthy
- Indiana swept the season series with the Jazz last season for the first time since 2005-06.
- The overall series between the two teams is tied at 39-39, but Indiana holds a 26-13 advantage at home.
- The Pacers will wrap up the season series with the Jazz when they visit Salt Lake City on Jan. 5.
- C.J. Miles was drafted by the Jazz in 2005 and played in Utah through the 2011-12 season.
Broadcast Information
TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 107.5/1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)