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The Pacers host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night as the Pacers try to remain unbeaten in their current three-game homestand. Following the game tonight, the Pacers will jet to Memphis to begin a mini-road trip that concludes in San Antonio on Monday.
No easy task.Once again, Frank Vogel will have to determine whether to start the spread lineup or go big. Brooke Lopez teams up in the front court with Thaddeus Young. While Young isn't a huge power forward he is productive and plays the position in a traditional manner, doing most of his damage closer to the rim. Young is averaging almost 16 points and 9 rebounds per game but rarely wonders out on the perimeter, shooting just 1 for 12 from behind the arc so far this season.
Vogel mentioned before the Mavericks game, that the reserve unit matchups are also a big part of his decision making with regard to the spread or big lineup. In the case of the Mavs, Lavoy Allen guarding Dirk Nowitzki with C.J. Miles on Chandler Parsons made more sense than the other way around. For the Nets, the reserve bigs create matchups that could go either way. In this case, Vogel has tended to start with a spread lineup.
So how do you think the Pacers should start the game?
Every game is important in the clogged Eastern Conference so taking care of business at home against the Nets is a must.
Check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers vs Nets | Indiana Pacers
Struggling Nets take a trip to Indiana - NetsDaily
Pacers Monta Ellis adjusting to a new role, not age
Un-Stuck: Stuckey Flourishing in Reserve Role | Indiana Pacers
Pacers among beasts in improving East | WFNI ESPN 1070 the Fan | Indy's SportsCenter
Brooklyn Nets hit the road to face versatile Indiana Pacers
Nets’ injuries add up to golden chance for NBA journeyman | New York Post
Lionel Hollins: "I take the blame" - Around the Nets - The Brooklyn Game
New lineup, no problem: Pacers beat Mavericks
Victory Gives Ellis Something to Smile About | Indiana Pacers