Pacers Need To Step Up Game To Meet Challenge From Orlando Tonight

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Pacers Need To Step Up Game To Meet Challenge From Orlando Tonight

by Tom Lewis on Dec 14, 2009 6:30 AM EST in News Comment 4 comments

Whenever a shooter has it going from outside in a game, he usually ends up taking a deep or contested, normally ill-advised, shot as a heat check.

Tonight the Indiana Pacers will give their two-game winning streak a heat check when they take on the Orlando Magic. Wins are wins in the NBA and for the Pacers no one can scoff at beating the New Jersey Nets or Washington Wizards. But maintaining a high level of play against the Magic and having a chance to win late will show some growth from the blue and gold.

Especially since the Magic always present problems for the Pacers because of their ability to pound away from outside or inside or both if the Pacers' defense doesn't show up. The Pacers should be rested and ready after spending an off-day yesterday in the warm 85 degree weather in Orlando. Doesn't that sound nice?

After the jump a few links, including just due for the Pacers' second unit. The team will need everyone in the playing rotation to add a jolt tonight, though.

PACERS: Pacers-Magic preview
Bruno's Scouting Report focuses on Mike Dunleavy and Tyler Hansbrough expanding their respective roles in the lineup as their minutes limits increase.
Pacers: 2nd unit offers jolt
Mighty Mike Wells, no doubt with feet up relaxing pool-side in Orlando, reports on the Pacers' second unit providing a boost of late, with Dunleavy, Watson, Foster and Hansbrough all bringing a little something different to help.
The Orlando Magic will try to break their first losing streak of the season tonight against the Indiana Pacers
Josh Robbins reports on the Magic looking to win again after dropping the last two game on their West Coast road trip.
Knicks Sign Bender, Who Has Been Out of the N.B.A. Since 2005
Jonathan Abrams reports on the surprising signing of Jonathan Bender by the New York Knicks.

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The Pacers have less talent than the Magic. Losing to one of the best teams in the NBA isn’t anything to be disappointed with. It’s losing to the bad teams that hurt. The Pacers just wont two against such teams, and even if they weren’t solid wins from beginning to end, a win is a win.

by Sparhawk on Dec 14, 2009 9:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

It'll be tough tonight

I just wanna see the same kind of effort they displayed in the back to backs. Is Earl starting yet?

by Rush Rules!!! on Dec 14, 2009 10:58 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

tough matchup

the pacers always seem to play elite competition well, orlando being the exception! i’ve just got a bad feeling that orl is going to be keyed in on the poor pacers after losing two straight-

by BenD on Dec 14, 2009 12:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

On several of the blogs Rush has become a kicking post

I don’t think he’s getting enough credit for some of the things he does do. Everyone focuses on his negatives. For a late lottery pick, only in the early part of his second year, I think he’s doing fine…..and remember, he has only begun as my apprentice…“Remember young Brandon Rush, the man who says he can, and the man who says he can’t are both right. Which one are you young Brandon Rush? Which one are you…”

by Rush Rules!!! on Dec 14, 2009 3:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

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