The Indiana Pacers boast a physical front line with Roy Hibbert and David West imposing their respective size and strength at both ends of the floor.
The Orlando Magic may not have the experience in the front court to match the Pacers, but they do have some size of their own to contend with and veteran Jason Maxiell is making sure he shares his knowledge on how to go at the Pacers, according to this story from Orlando Pinstriped Post.
Defending him is a different animal. Hibbert isn't as highly regarded for his offense, but Vučević pointed out that Indiana plays through him in the post often. Maxiell said an important aspect of defending Hibbert is establishing good position early.
"You gotta hit him early before he hits you," Maxiell said. "That's one key I'm gonna tell Kyle [O'Quinn] and Vuč: beat him up early. You might get one foul, but you're gonna set the tone early of how it's gonna be a long night."
Magic center Nikola Vucevic is only 23 but has shown he can be a handful in the post. Last year in one of the two Magic wins over the Pacers, Vucevic scored 16 points and hauled in 15 rebounds. So the game tonight will present a great test for Roy Hibbert to begin the season.
Hibbert often gives the Pacers a distinct advantage against teams light on true centers, but he also needs to become an advantage against any team with any level of center. Winning the battle against Vucevic tonight would be a good step in that direction for the big fella.