The Pacers return from a long break, but a very tough stretch of games awaits.  Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and the San Antonio Spurs come to town to take on the Indiana Pacers.  The Spurs came out with a win in their first game against the Pacers, while also winning seven straight overall in the series.

Roy Hibbert had a monster game in the first meeting, and he will look to get back on track with Tyler Hansbrough by his side.  Jim O'Brien has decided to start (which doesn't say anything about how much he plays with JOB) Hansbrough because he is the most offensively capable of the power forwards.  I really like this duo and think it can work real well.  No better matchup to go against than Tim Duncan and DeJuan Blair.

The Pacers will have to come out strong from the start, as the Spurs come to Conseco having lost their first back-to-back games of the season.

After the jump check out the links of the day, including George Hill's role with the Spurs so far this year...

• PACERS VIDEO: Pacers Prep for Spurs
  PACERS VIDEO: Pacers Prep for Spurs
• Spurs-Pacers Preview - Jan. 6, 2011 - NBA - CBSSports.com
  Poor defense is to blame for the San Antonio Spurs' first losing streak of the season. Facing a team that has struggled offensively lately could be just what they need to get back on track.
• Expected Scoring – Danny Granger | Hickory High
  A nice article from our own, Ian Levy, on Danny Granger and his Expected Scoring
• Blake Griffin to headline dunk contest at NBA All-Star event - NBA - SI.com
  It's too bad McRoberts won't be in this year's contest...that would have been exciting to watch. But, why is Jennings in this? As a coach/GM/owner would you want your star PG who isn't even playing right now because of injury entering in the dunk contest??
• Indy's Hill thrives in new role, sixth man, for Spurs | The Indianapolis Star | IndyStar.com
  George Hill finds himself in a new role in his third year in the NBA, and it's a key one with the San Antonio Spurs.
• Cavaliers offer job to homeless man with 'golden voice' - NBA - SI.com
  Have you guys heard this man's voice? Wow!
• Revenue Sharing May Not Be NBA's Magic Bullet, But It's Still Vital - SBNation.com
  Tom Ziller nails the revenue sharing issue with his commentary here.
• Bruno talks about Hansbrough's first start this season at PF
  I am looking forward to seeing Hansbrough start tonight against the Spurs. It looks ugly often but he is just productive...