Open Game Thread #43: Pacers at Bulls

by Tom Lewis on Jan 23, 2008 6:35 PM EST in Indiana Pacers News

Here's Bruno's Scouting Report which looks at the Pacers' success when playing without Jermaine O'Neal. While the Pacers are without J.O., the Bulls announced today that Luol Deng will not play for at least a few games in order to rest a sore Achilles' tendon. If you look real close, the Bulls have improved their results a bit since Jim Boylan took over for Scott Skiles, but really, nothing has changed. Just like the Pacers, the Bulls show flashes of getting it one game and then look lottery bound the next. The Bulls record of 16-24 reveals a struggling team, but they are 3-0 against the Detroit Pistons. And I thought following the Pacers was frustrating.

To appreciate the full angst of Bulls' fans, spend some time over at Blog-A-Bull to capture the mood.

Troy Murphy and Travis Diener are day-to-day, hopefully they'll be ready to go. Also, David Harrison returns from suspension and will be in uniform and available tonight. I imagine Ike Diogu will get first dibs on any available front court minutes after his strong outing in Philly.

Here's what the efficiency numbers say:

Team	Pace	Off.Eff.	Def.Eff.
IND	97.4(2nd)	105.9(17th)	107.0(11th)
CHI	90.5(13th)	103.6(25th)	107.5(15th)

Projected Starters

PACERS	pos.	BULLS
Mike Dunleavy	F	Joe Smith
Danny Granger	F	Andres Nocioni
Troy Murphy	C	Ben Wallace
Kareem Rush	G	Thebo Safolosha
Jamaal Tinsley	G	Kirk Hinrich

Feel free to leave your thoughts on the game in the comments.

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Comments

Some questions senor Rows

I know I advocated a Granger trade, before things changed obviously, but that being said given how well he's playing in O'B's small ball offense doesn't that give the Pacers another strong asset to trade on the market if they so choose? I think Granger and Dunleavy are quietly having strong seasons that could make Indiana just be willing to ride out their current problems with JO. Especially since no team is going to want JO at his current salary.

Last but not least given Indy's salary structure does re-signing Rush at this point even seem possible?

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 10:16 PM EST reply actions

Danny has sure played well

so far tonight. I don't think the P's will have any choice but to ride out J.O.'s contract. Right now, they have to resolve the PG situation with Tinsley. Anything in return at this point would be fine.

by Tom Lewis on Jan 23, 2008 10:26 PM EST up reply actions

I like where INdy can go

With Diogu and Dunleavy and Granger I think there are some nice pieces. Even if you get some of this & that from JO, eventually he won't be there anymore. This team has alot of potential down the road. I won't argue the Tinsley point, but what team would want him? I think a team like Miami could use him but one problem is how would he fit in down there given his lack of defense. Just one thought.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 10:31 PM EST up reply actions

INdy is coming back

That's gotta be nice. Wow how long did it take for Kirk Hinrich to be a good offensive player? Gotta be annoyed it's tonight.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 10:27 PM EST reply actions

I think Al Jefferson has to win LoNNy

You can't deny a guy who put up 39 & 14.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 10:29 PM EST reply actions

Whoa, break up the TWolves

LoNny likey

by Tom Lewis on Jan 23, 2008 10:41 PM EST up reply actions

Pistol KirkHinrich has shown up

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 10:35 PM EST reply actions

I thought Hinrich stunk this year!

Figures. Actually, he's probably nice and relaxed, knowing the perimeter defense is no threat.

by Tom Lewis on Jan 23, 2008 10:39 PM EST up reply actions

Terrible awareness by Dunleavy

Just terrible awareness.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 10:39 PM EST reply actions

Dun is out of it tonight

He's brought nothing but front rim misses and sloppy turnovers. Hate wasting a huge night from Granger.

by Tom Lewis on Jan 23, 2008 10:40 PM EST up reply actions

I thinkt he Pacers are that true X-Factor

team of the East. On any given night they can beat you. On any given night they can lose to you. I would have said that about Atlanta, but they don't seem to have any real deals on the horizon to improve the roster as I see it.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 10:44 PM EST up reply actions

and on any given night

they can lose to any team in the league.

by Tom Lewis on Jan 23, 2008 10:46 PM EST up reply actions

I would say the game is now over

To be honest I wasn't sure if the Pacers would ever get into the game. They came back but allowing Kirk Hinrich to look like Steve Nash is not a smart way to go.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 10:43 PM EST reply actions

KO'd

Such is life with the blue and gold.

by Tom Lewis on Jan 23, 2008 10:44 PM EST up reply actions

You could spend your life arguing

Ron Artest's trade value. Or Mike Bibby's. Truthfully, and I know you will think I'm lying, but I'd rather have the Pacers situation. It's at least simple. They can't do anything but have no real need to either.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 10:46 PM EST up reply actions

Speaking of Artest

He was the subject of local talk radio this afternoon since he mentioned he would like to return to Indy if/when he opts out. Amazing how many people love the guy and want him to return. Some like me, love Ronnie but do not want him back with the Pacers. After watching him against Detroit and the Pacers, I couldn't handle the way he dominates the ball at times and disrupts anything resembling an offensive flow.

by Tom Lewis on Jan 23, 2008 10:49 PM EST up reply actions

A tantalizing talent

But I talked about this earlier today on diary. I think he needs a strong personality (like Riley & Wade) to help him control some of that problems. Who knows, and I know I'm not Miami, but I would totally look at that if I was the Heat. What do they have to lose? More games?

And for the record I meant the Pacers situation is a tad more stable minus Tinsley. The Kings keep a good cover on the situation, and I think that has more to do with the Bee not willing to rock the boat with hardcore journalism and write the real crap that's going on behind the scenes. East Coast/Midwest Fans are luckier that way I think.

When the tough get going the going gets Cornrows.

by pookeyguru on Jan 23, 2008 10:55 PM EST up reply actions