Indiana @ Dallas GameThread, Feb 22, 2010 8:30 PM EST

Game Thread #56: Indiana Pacers at Dallas Mavericks

by Tom Lewis on Feb 22, 2010 5:30 PM EST in Events Comment 148 comments

Indiana Pacers at Dallas Mavericks, Feb 22, 2010 8:30 PM EST

19-36		35-21
	@
February 22, 2010 - 8:30PM EST
American Airlines Arena
Radio: 1070 The Fan TV: Fox Sports Indiana
Probable starters:
Earl Watson	PG	Jason Kidd
Brandon Rush	SG	Caron Butler
Danny Granger	SF	Shawn Marion
Troy Murphy	PF	Dirk Nowitzki
Roy Hibbert	C	Brendan Haywood

The Indiana Pacers look to complete the Texas Two Step sweep tonight when they visit the Dallas Mavericks.

Danny Granger and T.J. Ford led one of the best offensive games of the season in the Pacers' win at Houston on Saturday night, but since nothing comes easy for the Pacers this season, backing up Saturday's game with another solid offensive effort will be tough for the Pacers tonight. Especially since Danny Granger is tending to a personal matter and isn't with the team in Dallas. Also, T.J. Ford strained his groin finishing off the Rockets and will be a game-time decision.

Meanwhile, the Maverick are looking awfully good following a roster improvement last week before the trade deadline. The team reeks of solid veteran players at every spot with Jason Kidd running things. Then you throw in my favorite veteran sixth man, Jason Terry, bringing it off the bench and this team may not be lethal, but they certainly won't be fun to play in the post-season.

Also, unlike Houston, the new faces have quickly meshed with the team so they're already past the ol' players-trying-to-figure-out-how-to-play-with-each-other phase that most teams have to work through after a big trade.

So with every indication pointing toward a loss for the Pacers, that means they'll probably find something that works and pull off a win. Check out Bruno's Scouting Report.

For a Dallas perspective, check out Mavs Moneyball.

Leave your thoughts and observations in the comments. Also, pop open an extra browser and check out Bruno's Live Blog.

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Comments

Ranks are thin tonight huh?

Looks like someone is gonna have to step up.

GLS, do us all a favor and talk some ish about Head before the game tonight, we might need him to go off for 30 again!

Seriously though, this seems like a perfect game for Duns to get back on track, unfortunately I think his knee “jumped the rail” before the season started. Maybe a coming out party for AJ and Roy?

Free AJ!
Feed Roy!

by jantz101 on Feb 22, 2010 5:52 PM EST reply actions

Like your thinking.

I would like to add, someone throw some fireworks under Rush cause he needs to blow up offensively. I’d really like to see Rush take about 12-15 shots tonight, just more than his usual 6-9.

by Sparhawk on Feb 22, 2010 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed

It would be nice to see Rush have a good offensive game. He is gonna have his hands full with either Butler or Marion on the defensive end tonight.

So maybe Dahntay starts tonight in the SG position, guarding Butler?

by jantz101 on Feb 22, 2010 6:32 PM EST up reply actions

No way D.Jones sees the floor

This guy is in Obie’s doghouse big time. No clue why, but when you’re behind Luther Head on the bench, you did something wrong.

by goodlucksaturday on Feb 22, 2010 8:17 PM EST up reply actions

Well, Head's a bum

If he gets extended minutes and takes those dumb transition threes tonight, we’re screwed. I’m serious about it, but he if he has a good game, that’s cool too.

But know who I really hate? Price. If that kid gets off the bench tonight, I’m going to probably turn the game off and bury myself in the snow.

……..

by goodlucksaturday on Feb 22, 2010 8:09 PM EST reply actions

Atta Boy!

by jantz101 on Feb 22, 2010 8:13 PM EST up reply actions

Haha

Really though…this game is going to be hard to win. I don’t expect the Mavs to lull out like the Rockets did. Mavs have matchup problems everywhere. I mean, everywhere. We need Danny to play to the level he has the past couple of nights to at least stay somewhat competitive in this one. We’re going to need offense, but I’m not sure where we’re going to get it consistently outside of Danny, assuming we get it consistently from him tonight.

I’ve got a bad feeling about this one.

by goodlucksaturday on Feb 22, 2010 8:19 PM EST up reply actions