Utah Jazz vs Indiana Pacers: Game Thread

Tonight we'll see the Utah Jazz host the Indiana Pacers in what could be a . . . uh . . . George Hill revenge game? Or Al Jefferson revenge game? Or C.J. Miles revenge game? Or the battle of Jeff Teague and Hill, who were traded for one another last June? Man. There are a lot of stories here, but for me the big one will be the Jazz against themselves. Yes, Indy is tough and capable. But I think with the schedule Utah has right now it's clear that they will be their own biggest opponent from here on till the All-Star Break. Utah and Indiana are both on the second night of a back to back. Indy is playing the third game in four as well. But our boys played in overtime last night. That could be a wash.

Game Preview | Overtone | Five Things to Watch | Indy Cornrows

Team Breakdown:

Indy is playing their last game of a road trip, sadly losing to the Lakers last night. Beyond that they had been rolling, beating the Bull, Magic, Pistons, Nets, Knicks, Pelicans, and Kings (the only other loss was to the Nuggets). I'd say that the Jazz are the hardest team they've played this entire month. Nate McMillan has them playing at a fast pace and they are pretty middle of the road on offense and defense.

Utah swept Indy 2-0 last season and overall these two teams are 41-41 against one another. At home the Jazz are 27-14. Tonight is going to be harder than expected I bet. Last season the Jazz won in Utah in overtime 122-119. Indy isn't going to roll over if they are tired. They have a good bench with Al Jefferson, Monta Ellis, C.J. Miles, Aaron Brooks, and Kevin Seraphin. Scratch that. They have a good team all over. Utah could easily drop this one, and fail to reach six wins in a row unless they match Indy's tenacity out there.

The Pacers suck at rebounds though. (28th DRB% 27th ORB%) And they don't really have much of a three point attack (in terms of volume). They make 'em when they take 'em. But don't take a lot. A bad shooting night (like one at the end of a road trip when you are tired) with a small sample size could be something that hurts them more than it should.

Fan Map:

Small market teams, to arms!

Assumed Starters:

• PG: Jeff Teague vs. George Hill
  
• SG: Glenn Robinson III vs. Joe Ingles
  
• SF: Paul George vs. Gordon Hayward
  
• PF: Thaddeus Young vs. Derrick Favors
  
• C: Myles Turner vs. Rudy Gobert

Injuries / Absences:

• PG:
• SG: Rodney Hood (UTA, OUT), Rodney Stuckey (IND, OUT)
  
• SF:
• PF: Joel Bolomboy (UTA, NBADL)
  
• C:

GO JAZZ GO!