/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60569831/usa-today-8176861.0.0.0.jpg)
The Indiana Pacers play the first game of a post-Thanksgiving back-to-back when they host the Orlando Magic for the one home game wedged between six road games. After going 1-1 in their two Texas roadies, the Pacers need to bring home the same level of energy they played with against Dallas and San Antonio.
For some reason, the Pacers have struggled to bring the same intensity at home as they have in big games on the road at Miami, Chicago, Washgington, Dallas and San Antonio. With a depleted playing rotation, the Pacers don't have the juice to ease up against any team or they will get reminded just how short-handed they are.
The Magic have intriguing young talent with Victor Oladipo returning to Indiana to lead the attack. Center Nikola Vucevic has been effective against the Pacers in the past and Channing Frye has been down right annoying while wearing other uniforms.
David West is expected back in the lineup along with C.J. Watson off the bench, so the Pacers should get a boost of energy and focus although the players already in game shape will still have to do the heavy lifting. That means bringing a strong defensive disposition to keep Orlando's scorers from getting comfortable in the Fieldhouse.
For more on the Magic, check out Orlando Pinstriped Post. Also, please add your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.
2014-15 NBA Regular Season | ||
---|---|---|
@ | ![]() | |
November 28, 2014 - 8:00 p.m. ET | ||
Bankers Life Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, IN | ||
TV: Fox Sports Indiana ---- Radio: AM 1070/107.5 FM The Fan | ||
Probable Starters | ||
Victor Oladipo | PG | Donald Sloan |
Evan Fournier | SG | Rodney Stuckey |
Moe Harkless | SF | Solomon Hill |
Channing Frye | PF | David West |
Nikola Vucevic | C | Ian Mahinmi |