A Big Night Ahead For the Indiana Pacers Guards?
By Ben Gibson
The Indiana Pacers might have a heavy advantage at the guard positions if the Orlando Magic are missing their starting backcourt due to injuries.
After a disappointing loss to the Miami Heat on Monday, the Indiana Pacers may have caught a break going into tonight’s game against the Orlando Magic.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, point guard Elfrid Payton is unlikely to play while Evan “Don’t Google My Last Name” Fournier is dealing with a toe injury.
"The Orlando Magic could play without their entire usual starting backcourt when they host the Indiana Pacers tonight and attempt to avoid their first four-game losing streak this season.Point guard Elfrid Payton almost certainly will not play tonight, Magic coach Scott Skiles said following his team’s shootaround this morning. If Payton does not play, as expected, it will be the second game in a row Payton has missed because of a left-ankle contusion.In addition, starting shooting guard Evan Fournier might not play because of a toe injury, Skiles said."
In addition to that, the Pacers will be getting back George Hill, who was listed out on Monday with food poisoning.
It seems he hadn’t eaten for two days and that’s why he couldn’t go against the Miami Heat according to Candace Buckner.
Yes, sorry for not tweeting earlier. Missed two days of meals due to illness but ready to go tonight https://t.co/buBWNb8c63
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) January 6, 2016
Btw last tweet was all about George Hill, who did not eat last two days. Reason why he didn't play in MIA bc he had no food in system
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) January 6, 2016
Despite the fact no one ever seems to be happy with George Hill, he’s been playing well lately and the Pacers are a better offensive team when he’s on the court.
Pacers Opponent Stats With George Hill On/Off Court in 2015 | PointAfter
If George Hill is back to 100%, he and Monta Ellis will likely be facing off against Victor Oladipo and Shabazz Napier, as well as former Indiana Pacers C.J. Watson. Their starters, Payton and Fournier, account for 42% of the team’s assists and are the team’s third and fourth leading scorers. You would hope the Pacers can take advantage of the Magic backups considering George Hill scored 23 points against the starters on Nov. 9th in Indiana.
Orlando Magic 2015-16 Assist Distribution | PointAfter
Orlando Magic 2015-16 Scoring Distribution | PointAfter
Assuming Hill can replicate that success from November and Ellis can play better than his 1 of 9 performance earlier in the year, the Pacers should have a distinct advantage in the backcourt.
Next: Indiana Pacers On The Wrong End of Two Missed Calls According to NBA
The game tips of at 7 p.m. in Orlando.