Monday, April 1, 2013 at 10:30 PM EDT at Staples Center
Game Preview: IND at LAC
Scott Agness | March 29, 2013
Matchup
The Pacers wrap up a four-game road time in Hollywood against the Clippers, who have already clinched a playoff spot. The Pacers are 20 games over .500, and have won seven of their last eight games, including the first three games on this West Coast trip.
Houston and Dallas, who the Pacers both defeated earlier this week, were all on a home-heavy schedule and the Clippers are no different. Their matchup with the Pacers will be the first of a four-game homestand at the Staples Center. They’ve been very good this season at home, 28-8, including 12-2 vs. Eastern Conference foes.
The Clippers are going through a rough patch. They’ve dropped three of their last four – most recently, a 98-81 loss in Houston on Saturday.
Related: Pacers-Thunder Bounced from ESPN »
When you think of the Clippers, who have the fourth-best record in the West, their transition game and eye-catching finishes immediately come to mind. There’s been plenty of Chris Paul to Blake Griffin, who leads the NBA in dunks this season with nearly 200.
The Clippers’ backcourt is one of the best in the NBA, totaling 46.1 points per game compared to the Pacers, who are at the very bottom with 33.1 points per game. LA’s defense leads the league in steals and is fourth in assists.
Last time these teams met, the Pacers didn’t have Roy Hibbert because of a one-game suspension and his defensive presence was greatly missed. In turn, the Pacers were outscored by 18 in the paint and Hibbert would have likely altered Paul’s late-game shots at the rim.
Probable Starters
George Hill
Lance Stephenson
Paul George
David West
Roy Hibbert
Chris Paul
Willie Green
Caron Butler
Blake Griffin
DeAndre Jordan
Injury Update
Pacers: Gerald Green (day-to-day, upper respiratory infection), David West (day-to-day, lower back sprain), Danny Granger (out, left knee)
Clippers: Chauncey Billups (doubtful, strained right groin)
Quotable
“Low turnovers, transition defense. They’re the best in the league in stealing the basketball and forcing turnovers. When they get out in the open court, what’s their nickname, Lob City, so we got to sprint back. ... If you help at all they just lob it up to the rim and they got guys that can go get it. If you don’t help enough, Chris Paul burns you. Maybe the most challenging pick-and-roll attack in the NBA.” – Frank Vogel the critical areas against the Clippers, before their first meeting
Noteworthy
- The Clippers are 26-0 when holding opponents to 42 percent shooting or below.
- The Clippers have sold out 86 consecutive games at the Staples Center.
Last Meeting
Each time the Pacers got within four of the Clippers in the final minutes, Chris Paul had the answer. Paul sank a 16-foot jumper, finished at the rim and then topped things off with a finger-roll. He scored the Clippers’ final eight points of the game and finished with a game-high 29 points as they beat the Pacers, 99-91.
The Pacers had trouble with turnovers (20) and defending the paint in the absence of Roy Hibbert, who was suspended for the game because of a minor altercation one game prior. David West had 22 points – 11 coming form the foul line. Paul George scored 20 and Danny Granger, who’s been shut down for the season, had his best showing and tallied 12 points. Jamal Crawford
chipped in 23 off the bench and Blake Griffin recorded a double-double: 18 points and 14 rebounds.
Broadcast Information | Find Local Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana/NBA TV – Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Brooke Olzendam (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: FM 107.5/AM 1070 The Fan, Pacers Radio Network - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Austin Croshere (analyst) Michael Grady (host)
Next Home Game
Tickets are still available for the Pacers' next home game, Friday, April 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8:00 PM. Find Tickets »
