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The Pacers will wake up in Cleveland on Saturday morning ahead of their first preseason game against the Cavaliers at 7 p.m. ET. The team will set up a traveling bubble for three nights in Cleveland with a second game slated for Monday night.
Prior to hopping the plane on Friday the Pacers had a final workout in Indy. Domantas Sabonis summed up the preseason game one goal succinctly when he referenced all of the changes the team may experience in their first game under Nate Bjorkgren, but ultimately had to “play tough and compete.”
That has been the Pacers calling card over the past several seasons, through a couple of coaching changes. No reason that culture can’t maintain through a different style of play. Sabonis was light on specifics when asked about what fans will notice, but continually referenced the team playing much faster and also in a different style than he’s ever played whether it be in the NBA or Europe.
Bjorkgren will not have the expected starting five available with T.J. Warren (foot) out, but he expects to sub early and often, as he put it. There will be big lineups, small lineups and really small lineups.
As preseasons go, this is one of the most intriguing in many years with such and expected difference in the style of play at both ends. What really raises the intrigue is to see if and how a team that looks so familiar on the surface of the roster can successfully make the transition and look different.
Stay tuned!
Check out the links:
Game Preview: Pacers at Cavaliers (Preseason) | Indiana Pacers
Sabonis, Bjorkgren Eager to See What Comes Out of First Preseason Game | Indiana Pacers
Pacers roster analysis: Same players, different team – The Athletic
New Coach, New Feel to Pacers Training Camp | Indiana Pacers
Jeremy Lamb provides update on ACL tear recovery - Indy Star
TJ Warren ready to keep rolling in Year 2 with Indiana Pacers - AZ Cetral
The Indiana Pacers are having fun in training camp
NBA relaxes resting policies for non-nationally televised games - ESPN
A drastic rest disparity could heavily influence the NBA season - ESPN
2020 NBA Offseason moves: Draft, trades, signings, news – The Athletic
Charlotte Hornets mock trade negotiation: Myles Turner - At The Hive
Pacers will emphasize defense in 1st preseason game against Cavaliers - Indy Star
The Pacers' Victor Oladipo Gives Fans a Peek Inside His Exclusive Sneaker Closet
2020-21 Cleveland Cavaliers position preview: Bigs - Fear The Sword
Cleveland Cavaliers: 2 things fans want Collin Sexton to show next season