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Indiana Pacers: Schedule Indicates Difficult Stretches

By Shane Young

Dec 22, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) reacts after scoring against the New Orleans Hornets during the second half of a game at the New Orleans Arena. The Pacers defeated the Hornets 81-75. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Indiana Pacers power forward David West (21) reacts after scoring against the New Orleans Hornets during the second half of a game at the New Orleans Arena. The Pacers defeated the Hornets 81-75. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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February 22 – 27:  Shooters, Storms, and Top Dogs

Feb. 22 — vs. Golden State Warriors

Indiana came away from the Bay Area last season unharmed, launching their regular season record to a league-leading 33-7.  Then, they lost the very next game on the road during another hellacious road trip.

At home vs. Mark Jackson‘s Warriors, they were heartbroken during the final seconds by Klay Thompson, who found enough open room to shoot over George Hill on the right wing.  Indiana walked away with the last laugh, as their conference allowed them to reach the conference finals, with Golden State tasting defeat in the very first round.

Indiana Pacers
Feb 26 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) gets punched by Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) as a fight breaks out during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

One thing has been certain regarding the Pacers, and that’s their starting lineup against top Western Conference foes — it normally provides enough, on the road or at home.

During their 1-1 split with the Warriors, their starters contributed 84 points per contest, which is 16.8 per member.  The bench?  15 points on average, where top caliber teams usually generate in the high 30’s.

Shaun Livingston adding to the mix for new head coach Steve Kerr will help more than people are crediting it, and at the end of the day, they don’t beat themselves up too bad for not grabbing Kevin Love.

David Lee only loves to play dirty when he’s causing havoc in the paint with Hibbert, which as never fully made sense to me.  Andrew Bogut strikes us all as the one people would pick their problems with.

Feb. 24 — at Oklahoma City Thunder

If there was ever a time to grant Oklahoma City with another team to besiege for a large win total, it’s now.  They needed homecourt (and Serge Ibaka) to take down San Antonio in the West Finals, and they only had half of that … for half the time.

Indiana gifted us with the more traditional scenario last season, as they didn’t walk into Chesapeake Energy Arena and come out feeling good about the outcome.  Directly after knocking off the Spurs on the road, they faced a back-to-back dilemma of having to take on the Thunder.  It wasn’t just the Kevin Durant gang that we saw for most of the year, it was the full-fledged attack of Durant and his little pit-bull, Russell Westbrook.

Durant decided to get an early start on his 30-point outburst for the year, scoring 36 points with a plus-minus of +26.  I don’t know about you, but if any duo on Earth is capable of exploding for 62 points, 18 assists, and 17 rebounds, grant them the win and roll over on the mat.  It’s been a long night.

Feb. 27 — vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

Before the end of February — it’s still not leap year yet? — LeBron, Uncle Drew, and his old buddy Wes will make their second and final trip to Indiana.  Their first will be on Feb. 6, but it will be during a five-game home stand for the Pacers.  Vogel and company should feel rather comfortable not having to travel for a full week.

Total opponent Win/Loss for stretch:  163-83  (.663)

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