Matchup
The Pacers (35-43) carry a three-game winning streak into Detroit on Friday night, where they'll take on the Pistons (30-48) for the fourth and final time this season. Detroit leads the season series 2-1, but Indiana won the last matchup on Feb. 4 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
After Wednesday's games, the Pacers are a game back of Boston and Brooklyn for the final two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. However, the Celtics and Nets both own head-to-head tiebreakers over Indiana, so the Blue & Gold likely need one of those teams to lose two of their final four games for the Pacers to pass them in the standings.
In his second game back, All-Star forward Paul George had another solid performance. George finished with 10 points in 15:31 and got to the free throw line six times, going 5-for-6 from the charity stripe. Perhaps most importantly, George took a couple hard hits on his previously injured right leg and responded positively to the contact.
Going forward, expect George to continue to play roughly the same role off the bench. Head coach Frank Vogel said he may look to gradually increase George's minutes, but it would be a major surprise if he tops 20 minutes of action during the remainder of the regular season.
The Pistons were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Wednesday, but Detroit would relish an opportunity to spoil their Central Division rivals' postseason chances. The Pacers' primary concern on Friday will be 6-foot-11 center Andre Drummond, the NBA's second-leading rebounder. In three games against Indiana this season, Andre Drummond is averaging 18.0 points and 12.7 rebounds.
Projected Starters
George Hill
C.J. Miles
Solomon Hill
David West
Roy Hibbert
Reggie Jackson
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Caron Butler
Anthony Tolliver
Andre Drummond
Pacers: PG - George Hill, SG - C.J. Miles, SF - Solomon Hill, PF - David West, C - Roy Hibbert
Pistons: PG - Reggie Jackson, SG - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SF - Caron Butler, PF - Greg Monroe, C - Andre Drummond
Injury Report
Pacers: C.J. Watson - out (sore right elbow), Chris Copeland - out (injuries to abdomen and left elbow), Shayne Whittington - not with team (assignment to NBA D-League)
Pistons: Spencer Dinwiddie - questionable (left ankle sprain), Brandon Jennings - out (ruptured left Achilles tendon)
are out.
Hardwood Classics Night
As part of the NBA’s Hardwood Classics program, the Pacers will be wearing their iconic Flo-Jo jerseys on Friday. The Pacers are 6-0 this season in the jerseys, which they originally wore from 1990-97, this season. Indiana received permission from the NBA to wear the uniforms again against Detroit. Flo-Jo Photo Galleries, Highlights, and More »
Last Meeting
February 4, 2015: The Pacers set season highs for both points scored (114) and field goal percentage (.597) as they rolled past the Pistons, 114-109 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. As a team, Indiana went 5-for-6 from 3-point range in the final quarter and finished the night with 12 triples, one shy of their season high.
Roy Hibbert recorded his 13th double-double of the season, finishing with 16 points and 12 rebounds. C.J. Miles, inserted into the starting lineup in place of Solomon Hill, had 15 points. David West added 14 points and seven rebounds, while C.J. Watson knocked down 4-of-6 3-pointers en route to 14 points.
Andre Drummond led Detroit with 18 points and 16 rebounds, while Greg Monroe added 16 points and nine boards.
Noteworthy
- The Pacers not lost both road games in a season at Detroit since the 2010-11 season.
- The Pistons lead the all-time series with Indiana 89-88, including a 56-32 advantage at home.
- Pacers center Roy Hibbert needs 16 blocks to become the fourth player in franchise history to reject 1,000 shots.
Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »
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), Pat Boylan (studio host)