Saturday, March 30th, 2013 at 10:00 PM EDT at US Airways Center
Game Preview: IND at PHO
Scott Agness | March 28, 2013
Matchup
The Pacers take on the Suns on Saturday night after completing back-to-back games in Texas on Wednesday and Thursday. Phoenix has the worst record (23-49) in the Western Conference. Of those wins, 12 have come against teams with at least a .500 record. It’s safe to say the Suns are rebuilding and this is a road game the Pacers must be successful in.
On Jan. 18, Phoenix “mutually agreed to part ways” with head coach Alvin Gentry. Management then turned to Lindsey Hunter, who had no head coaching experience. Prior to taking over, he wasn’t even on the coaching staff, but was the director of player of development. Pacers may particularly remember Hunter from his two stints playing for the Pistons – 1993-2000 and 2003-2008.
Related: Pacers-Thunder Bounced from ESPN »
The Suns have lost 10 of their last 12 games, including three in a row at the US Airways Center.
Center Marcin Gortat, who’s averaged 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season, has missed the last 11 games because of a right foot injury. Goran Dragic has started 69 games this season at point guard and leads the team in points (14.4), assists (7.2) and steals (1.6). However, he was held out of the previous two games to rest and allow some young guys more minutes. That move is a clear indication the franchise is looking ahead to the future.
Probable Starters
George Hill
Lance Stephenson
Paul George
David West
Roy Hibbert
Goran Dragic
Wes Johnson
P.J. Tucker
Luis Scola
Markieff Morris
Injury Update
Pacers: George Hill (day-to-day, left groin strain), Lance Stephenson (day-to-day, right hip-flexor strain), David West (day-to-day, lower back sprain), Danny Granger (out, left knee), Gerald Green (out, upper respiratory infection)
Suns: Channing Frye (out, enlarged heart), Marcin Gortat (out, right foot)
Noteworthy
- Phoenix had won four in a row in the series until Indiana’s December win. Phoenix has also been victorious in 10 of the last 12 meetings in ‘The Grand Canyon State.’
- Suns forward Jermaine O’Neal played for the Pacers from 2000-08.
- Markieff and Marcus Morris are just the second pair of twins to be teammates in the NBA. Indianapolis natives Dick and Tom Van Arsdale were the first set (in 1976-77), also with the Suns.
Last Meeting
After a rare six-day stretch between games, the Pacers stalled early on, but then got in gear and went ahead by as many as 16. Later, the Suns outscored the Pacers by 10 to make it a game in the fourth. Tied at 85, the Pacers scored six points in a row and held on for a 97-91 win.
George Hill, playing with a thigh contusion that occurred early in the game, finished with 22 points. Paul George had 15 points and Tyler Hansbrough added 12 (in just over 14 minutes). Goran Dragic missed the game with injury, but it was his fill-in, Sebastian Telfair, that led the Suns with 19 points. Marcin Gortat had a double-double – 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Pacers registered 14 second-chance points off of 16 offensive boards.
Broadcast Information | Find Local Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana – 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 »
