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The Indiana Pacers will play in the first game of the NBA season when they tip off against the Orlando Magic at BLF tonight about an hour before TNT's Bulls vs. Heat clash. From the opening tip, the Pacers will strive to play in the final game of the NBA season which they plan to win to close out the NBA Finals.
The Pacers are all in to go for their lofty goals this season, but they can't peek toward the end game in the tough Eastern Conference. As Frank Vogel mentioned yesterday, the Pacers are focusing on the day-to-day tasks at hand since every regular season win is a step toward earning the top seed and home court advantage in the playoffs.
"We're not talking about championships; we are in the now," Coach Frank Vogel said. "And the now is every single game can impact whether we get home court advantage or not. We always want to compete for the highest seed possible no matter what our preseason expectations are.
"Winning the No. 1 seed is an attainable goal. A lot of pieces are going to have to fall into place for it. Obviously there are a lot of great teams. Miami's a two-time defending champ and seems to have gotten better. There's a great deal of competition but we're focusing on that goal right now, and that's trying to earn the top seed."
As for the Magic, they are among the teams in rebuilding mode with front office personnel planning private celebrations for every loss this year, to better position themselves for the 2014 draft. Former Indiana Hoosier, Victor Oladipo should see plenty of court time, although it appears he will not be in the starting lineup. The Magic are working to develop Vic into a Russell Westbrook style of point guard.
More Magic coverage: Orlando Pinstriped Post
Stay in the here and now, thought. While the Magic top brass may not sweat a loss, NBA players are playing for their careers every night and the Pacers did lose to the Magic twice last year, so let's just see how opening night plays out. Should be a blast!
Check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers vs Magic | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Will this be banner season for Pacers? - 1070 The Fan
Pacers should be better - and will have to be | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
The "Granger saga" an unnecessary distraction for an already championship caliber team.
Victor Oladipo will play point guard for the Orlando Magic - Orlando Sentinel
Jameer Nelson has no concern about rust - Orlando Sentinel
Magic at Pacers: A new season begins - Orlando Pinstriped Post
On Eve of New Season, Pacers Look to Take Next Step | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Pacers Bolster Bench Through Necessary Offseason Moves | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS
Solomon Jones' dream of making the Orlando Magic comes true - Orlando Sentinel
Phoenix Suns' Miles Plumlee, from throw-in to starting center - Bright Side Of The Sun