 | @ |  |
|---|---|---|
| 13-14 | 10-17 | |
| December 23, 2008 - 7:00PM EST | ||
| Conseco Fieldhouse | ||
| Radio: 1070AM WFNI TV: Fox Sports Indiana | ||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Devin Harris | PG | T.J. Ford |
| Vince Carter | SG | Brandon Rush |
| Brook Lopez | SF | Stephen Graham |
| Bobby Simmons | PF | Jeff Foster |
| Yi Jianlian | C | Roy Hibbert |
Bruno is LIVE Blogging as usual.
Here are the Pacers.com matchups which again show the Pacers missing a few key contributors. Apparently the viral infection remains a factor for Danny Granger, Marquis Daniels and Troy Murphy.
Coach Jim O'Brien still was uncertain just exactly who would be available to play against the Nets Tuesday. Though Danny Granger, Marquis Daniels and Troy Murphy are no longer hospitalized by viral infections, none were strong enough to practice. They may well be in uniform but likely would be available, if at all, for limited minutes.At this points, even 5-10 minutes from these guys would be helpful for a little depth. According to Kevin Lee from 1070 The Fan, Murphy isn't expected to play but Granger and Quisy (Queasy?) will be a game-time decision.
Regardless, it appears the Pacers won't play the Nets at full strength. Earlier in the season Danny Granger missed one of the two wins over the Nets earlier in the season. The difference this time though is that the Nets will have Devin Harris available unlike the past two games. Not only is Harris back, but he's been lighting up opponents while running the dribble-drive offense for the Nets. A point guard potentially lighting up the Pacers is always a concern, more so tonight.
So this game becomes a huge challenge for the Pacers, but I've come to expect this team to rise to any challenge in front of them regardless of which players are available. Tonight is no different.
For the New Jersey perspective, check out Nets Daily.
Gameday Reading
- Mike Wells focuses on the improved play of Devin Harris.
- This requires listening, but The Basketball Jones hits on an email from a listener yesterday involving Mike Dunleavy. Apparently, Dun was spotted at Christ the King for Mass on Sunday and wouldn't you know it, he shows up at practice the next day. Coincidence?
Leave your thoughts and observations in the comments.