Tonight’s game with Orlando has a lot riding on it for the Pacers. If the Pacers win tonight, they will get home court advantage, and if they lose then they will fall back into the number two seat. Miami is not going to help the Pacers, because they play Washington, so you would think that would be a easy win for the Heat. The one good thing for Indy is the Pacers have the tie-breaker over the Heat, but tonight is one of those “got to win” games. If ever the Pacers must have their “A” game it must be now! Roy Hibbert must be firing on all cylinders, and Paul George must come ready to bring his “A” game. On a night when the Pacers’ stars must shine at their brightest, this is the time where they must put up or be quiet. I don’t want to hear about any more Larry O’Brien Trophy talk if we can’t beat Mr. Oladipo and stop Orlando. I think this a team that we should be able to mop the floor with. My pick out of the East is still the Blue and Gold. For my pick out of the west, you would have to give it to San Antonio. I would also look out for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The keys for the Pacers is for them to get a hold of Victor and not let him go off, and not let him start passing the ball, because if he passes the ball then the Pacers could be in for a long night in Orlando. Then Frank would have to use a lot of time outs. You should also look for the Pacers to try and grab the momentum early. Another big key is going to be hanging on to the basketball. In the game against Oklahoma City, turnovers and three balls nearly hurt the Pacers, but they were able to hang on and get a much needed win. The Pacers are going to need a much better start and a much better grip on the basketball.
