Game Thread #12: Indiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors
by Tom Lewis on Nov 24, 2009 5:00 PM EST
in Indiana Pacers News
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PrintIndiana Pacers at Toronto Raptors, Nov 24, 2009 7:00 PM EST
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@ |  |
|---|---|---|
| 5-6 | 6-8 | |
| November 24, 2009 - 7:00PM EST | ||
| Air Canada Centre | ||
| Radio: 1070AM WFNI TV: No local TV | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| T.J. Ford | PG | Jose Calderon |
| Brandon Rush | SG | DeMar DeRozan |
| Danny Granger | SF | Hedo Turkoglu |
| Troy Murphy | PF | Chris Bosh |
| Jeff Foster | C | Andrea Bargnani |
Plenty of intersting sub-plots involved tonight when the Indiana Pacers take on the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. While the Pacers have been stumbling of late they remain in the muck and mire of the five or six Eastern Conference teams up for consideration for the 7th and 8th playoff spots in the East. Of course, Toronto has the same muck on them, so the winner will enjoy picking up a critical game on a direct competitor for the same prize.
The other stories to follow involve Jim O'Brien's lineup shuffle and how the team will play with Roy Hibbert coming off the bench. The starting lineup is now absent of a post presence at the offensive end, but that presence hasn't been to strong in the past few games, so maybe Hibby will find his flow with the second unit.
Even more interesting to me, is who will start at shooting guard. Any objective observer realizes that Dahntay Jones has outplayed Brandon Rush drastically so far in the young season. Yet, it appears the Rush is expected to retain his starting job tonight. We'll see. If that is the case, I still expect Dahntay Jones to play more minutes than Rush and having Jones bolsters the second unit. So, essentially, Rush will play the role Dahntay played last year in Denver, a starter player few minutes than the finisher off the bench, while Dahntay will play for role of J.R. Smith.
Oh, and we can't forget that Jarrett Jack will be playing his first game against the Pacers since cashing in on some life-long security in Toronto this summer. Prior to the season, I figured Jack's first game against the Pacers would be the focal point of this game, but with all that is going around the Pacers it will merely be background noise.
For a Toronto perspective, check out Raptors HQ and Raptors Republic. Plus, HoopsAddict will have some good stuff on the Pacers after the game.
Oh, and one more thing. You can complain about JOB and his efforts to change the results, but at some point a player or players need to grab this team by the figurative lapels, demand better and not let these lapses go without some accountability.
Leave your thoughts and observations in the comments. Also, open an extra browser for Bruno's Live Blog.
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Ready for some Pacers basketball
I’m back from work (in Vegas, bummer I know) and ready to dedicate some time to Pacers basketball. I have a bad feeling about this game, with Bargnani spreading the D and Bosh’s quickness inside, this might be a tough one for the Pacers. I am looking forward to seeing Jack play though, and hope he plays well in a loss!
Side note, I was half paying attention to the Kings Grizzly’s game last night when I heard from the Grizzly’s announcer: “Now entering the game…Jamal Tinsley” I did one of those cartoon double takes like “Whaaa?” Totally forgot he was playing again. He had a Rush-like game, played for awhile, but you forgot he was out there. He looked rusty to say the least, had a couple turnovers that were awful passes. He will probably need a couple weeks to get back to game speed. Good luck Memphis!
Can't get a good feel on this game
But I don’t think the feeling I’m getting is very pretty. Probably won’t be as bad as Sunday, but I don’t know if I like the chances of us actually coming out with a win.
I’d say “Prove me wrong, boys!” but eh…I don’t know how they plan on doing that.
I wouldn't mind
Seeing a few lineup changes from time to time, if not game to game, if they can actually help our chances at winning.
I hated Obie’s rotations last year, but I’m just ready to win some games. I don’t care how they’re won anymore.
Agreed
I like Hibbert out there, but he is young and will get plenty of chances. If Foster is defending well and the Pacers offense is playing well then lets go with that lineup. If that gets them nowhere, I think the young guys need to be out on the court getting experience.
Jack
I hope he doesn’t follow the trend of ex-Pacers who thrive in games against their former team. Seems like we get burned every other game by a former player.
Defense
Will definitely be the key to this game. Toronto has the ability to score in bunches. Pacers need to make sure that doesn’t happen. Will we see Dun today?
Murphy
was a little behind on that defensive play. He looked like the fat kid chasing the ice cream truck.
Toronto announcers:
There is no defensive presence inside for the Pacers. Raptors can do this all game
Good effort by Roy
He seemed to hold up well against Bosh on that play. Was that what we were worried about?
Heh
I thought Clark was just about to say, It’s going to be awhile before Brandon gets back in the game.
3-point record
That record is crazy for the Raptors…one 3-pointer in every game since 1999. Impressive.
Nets deal
Actually a really good deal, but I fear for my life if I eat that Hardee’s burger, and I also don’t have the extra to spend on that. Oh, sigh.
Not a great first quarter
But not as bad I thought it might be either.
Doesn’t feel like we were outplayed by eight points though, which might end up being a really bad thing…
I hear they're pretty big momentum changers
Be nice to see a real life one from the gold and gold and gold and gold.
sounds like "great" offensive strategy
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
hey everyone
I am in a fake Congress simulation for class and will be all night. Following stats and the message board (while slyly boozing). Keep me updated and let’s go Pacers!!
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
I'm just a lobbyist in the simulation
so I think drinking is actually recommended
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
too bad I'm married
hopefully it won’t affect my grade in the class
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
Man
Defense optional indeed.
Having a tough time getting back into this one just trading baskets. It didn’t work on Sunday, it won’t work tonight, guys.
of course he is
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
so at what point do we start feeding Hibbert on a regular basis
as long as he stays out of foul trouble, I’m not sure why he’s not getting 10-12 shots a game, every game
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
Kidding me...
The defensive effort is really not as bad some of these plays…but the Raptors are getting everything to fall.
Doesn’t help that T.J. takes the dumbest shot I’ve seen the team take all night…
ugh, on pace for around 160
I think I’m glad that I’m not watching this on tv
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
I'm bout to turn off the sound
and listen to the John and Kate final episode my girlfriend is watching
wow, that's a bit statement
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
Home cooking
I don’t know what kind of cuisine Toronto excels in, but they’re handing out platefuls to everyone on the court.
ugh, just threw up in my mouth
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
8 guys wth at least 6 points
3 in double digits
this is disgusting
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
the colts are 10-0
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
Stacy's quote:
“Pacers digging out of a little hole….”
Love the optimism, but they’re not wearing the comeback blue.
digging out of the grand canyon?
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
Keys for the second half?
Maybe start Watson at point, Jones, Granger T-Brough, and Hibbert. Lets have a balls-to-the-wall team go crazy out there
tbrough, i like that
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
These fouls are ridiculous
No need for these. Slowing down the pace, getting help from the Raps in missing a few shots, but jeez. Nonsense.
Like the Thanksgiving references, Denari
But I think it would suit better to tomorrow, when we actually play a team that isn’t in Canada.
wow, we get pizza and a 15 minute break
i come back and it’s a game. holy crap!
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
that really is a special talent of his
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
That miss was a killer
Foster’s plays were tremendous there. Would’ve really benefited from coming away from that possession with something.
I'm not watching but I like the idea of this lineup
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
Danny responds!
Pacers just won’t die…but man, they need to get some stops and cash in on the other end.
of course they do!
"If you don't [draft me], I promise you I'll come back and kick your ass for the next 15 years."
Pacers Start of the Game:
Danny, T.J., or Tyler?
Danny seems like the obvious answer. He’s been great in this second half, not just with the ball, but moving the ball, and on defense.
Jarrett Jack
Did a great job killing the runs. We may have had a chance in this one without Jack coming to life.
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