Pacers Preview: Pacers (17-7) @ Atlanta (16-9)

Published February 8, 2012 | By Joe Loveless

17-7

16-9

The Indiana Pacers are coming off a win against the Utah Jazz last night and return to the court tonight to take on the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta, GA. Looking to end yet another losing streak from year’s past, the Pacers have not won in Atlanta since December 22, 2006.

The Hawks meanwhile are struggling. Losers of three straight, the Hawks are looking to avoid going 0-4 on a 4 game homestand even though they started the season 8-1 at Phillips Arena. Amazing how many home games the Hawks have had compared to the Pacers.

During their three game losing streak, the Hawks offense has been struggling. They are averaging just 84.7 points per game, and managed 90 points in a loss to the Phoenix Suns last night. A lot of Atlanta’s problems stem from the fact they are without Al Horford (injured in the first meeting vs. Indiana) and backup center Jason Collins is now out two weeks. Filling in for them is Zaza Pachulia. Anytime Zaza is starting for your squad, it is not a good sign.

Stats Comparison

Pacers Offense (Rank)	Hawks Offense (Rank)	Pacers Defense (Rank)	Hawks Defense (Rank)
Points: 94.5 (15)	Points: 96.0 (13)	Points: 91.1 (6)	Points: 91.4 (7)
Rebounds: 44.6 (3)	Rebounds: 42.0 (16)	Rebounds: 42.9 (22)	Rebounds: 41.7 (14)
Assists: 18.0 (28)	Assists: 22.2 (6)	Assists: 19.0 (6)	Assists: 21.8 (21)
FG%: 42.6% (24)	FG%:45.2% (11)	FG%: 42.0% (4)	FG%: 43.4% (11)
FT%: 79.9% (2)	FT%:73.2% (24)	FT%: 72.4% (6)	FT%: 77.0% (25)
3P%: 37.1% (9)	3P%:39.0% (3)	3P%: 34.4% (16)	3P%: 34.3% (15)

http://www.mysynergysports.com/synergystats/?away=pacers&home=hawks

Credit: MySynergySports.com

Starting Lineups

Indiana Pacers		Atlanta Hawks
Roy Hibbert	Edge: Pacers	Zaza Pachulia
David West	Edge: Hawks	Josh Smith
Danny Granger	Edge: Pacers	Marvin Williams
Paul George	Edge: Hawks	Joe Johnson
Darren Collison	Edge: Hawks	Jeff Teague

Injury Report

Jeff Foster – day to day, lower back
George Hill – out, fractured ankle

Al Horford – out, torn pectoral muscle
Jeff Teague – questionable, sprained left ankle

Referees

Bill Kennedy
Eric Lewis
Josh Tiven

3 Keys

1. Focus. The Hawks are currently on a 3 game losing streak, while the Pacers won last night vs. Utah. Atlanta is considered one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. Play focused and win the game.

2. Hibbert. Zaza is no match for Roy Hibbert. Feed the big fella.

3. Granger. Against Orlando and through 3 quarters of the Jazz game Danny Granger has struggled. Danny will need to get it going offensively again.