IC Cold Links: Pacers Cross Border To Take On Raptors

by Tom Lewis on Dec 28, 2011 10:35 AM EST in Indiana Pacers News

The Indiana Pacers made their way to Canada yesterday while preparing to take on the Toronto Raptors. The Pacers will try to sneak a W back through customs on their return trip but also hope to build on their opening night win over the Detroit Pistons.

Knocking down open shots would be a great place to start, but more importantly the Pacers need to establish a consistent level of play with regard to their defensive and rebounding effort. Successful teams need something to hang their hat on when all else fails and rebounding and hustle are a great place to start (certainly better than three-point shooting).

Jeff Foster didn't make the trip so the playing rotation will likely remain the same with Lou Amundson playing the emergency big role off the bench. I heard from lots of folks who were impressed with Lance Stephenson and want him to play more, but don't get too excited. Stephenson will have to earn an expanded role and for the time being, playing five to ten minutes in the first half rotation will be his role.

Of course, as the season kicks into high gear, which is now by the way with three games in the next four days, Stephenson, Amundson and any live bodies on the bench will get some run depending on how games play out with foul trouble and minor injuries. Hopefully Stephenson will continue to leave people wanting more.

After the jump, check out the links with plenty on the game tonight as well as Josh McRoberts earning a new nickname with the Lakers.

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3 things

I’ll be paying attention to: Assists, rebounding, and turnovers. That will determine a lot of games. Can’t stress this enough. Well, those and we need to shoot much better tonight and going forward. Defense is solid after 1 game though, so I like to see how we can improve there.

by The_Dawson on Dec 28, 2011 10:54 AM EST reply actions

Tyler

Will be a big diffrence maker again tonight as he irrates the hell out of the Raptors front court. Big Roy should have another decent game scoring around 15, with 10-12 rb’s and a couple of blocks. Danny will still shoot from the outside while Paul creates his shots by driving more to get they’re 2 guards in foul trouble and drop in 12pts w a block. West will prob be like the Pistons game = SOLID and floor leadership but still playing on rubber legs for a few more games..He might score 15 with aprox 8 rb’s. Hill and DJones and Tyler will be big off the bench harrassing the Raptors all night. Pacers win 100-92

***Forever Grunge...Man!***
*I'm Alive* Eddie Veddar, Pearl Jam

by rockguyinindy on Dec 28, 2011 11:03 AM EST reply actions

Although

Would LOVE to see Lance get a few more mins tonight.

***Forever Grunge...Man!***
*I'm Alive* Eddie Veddar, Pearl Jam

by rockguyinindy on Dec 28, 2011 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

I'm thinking

It will be a larger margin, as I don’t think the Raptors can keep up with us. I think it can be a closer game than the opener, but I still think it can be double digits. I’d only guess singles because it;s on the road-Canada no less. I figured that’s maybe why you had them winning by just 8. Should be a fun game though. I agree with you, Lance outta get more minutes tonight.

by The_Dawson on Dec 28, 2011 11:08 AM EST up reply actions