Nov 15, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers centers Roy Hibbert (55) and Ian Mahinmi (28) celebrate the victory against the Milwaukee Bucks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Milwaukee 104-77. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The streak of 9 wins is done. Paul George’s 20 point games are done. The Pacers aren’t sitting aren’t undefeated, but with a new week, there’s the new opportunities of streaking again. When you look at this week, and see three games against a not so good New York Knicks, a rebuilding Boston Celtics, and a somewhat surprising but probably won’t be that good Philadelphia 76ers team, you have to feel good that the Pacers could end up right back on a winning streak. Be right there at the top of some power rankings as they’ve dropped to number two in some places. Paul George could be delivering some fantastic performances. Roy Hibbert will continue to block shots. The Pacers can get right back to their winning ways thanks to the power of the schedule this week. That loss to the Chicago Bulls was a terrible one, but no need to panic. Time to refocus, and show the NBA what this team is all about.
Wednesday, November 20th
Indiana Pacers @ New York Knicks
If the Pacers had their way, they would have probably played this game yesterday or today to get that bad taste of the Chicago Bulls out of their mouth. But the schedule gives them a few days before this meeting, so practice time can become a priority. This game will be played at the famous Madison Square Garden, where I would love to see Paul George bring his A game. Remember a former Pacer who used to work his magic out there in Madison Square Garden? I think George could deliver his own “Miller” time performance, and the Pacers are right back in that win column, already hitting that double figures in wins. Carmelo Anthony had said he’s not forgot about the series with the Pacers, so he’ll need to be a priority out there on the defensive side for the Pacers. I think the Knicks are a team that’s just not finding their way, so the Pacers would be best served to continue their strong defensive presence, and make the Knicks limited on the offensive end.
Friday, November 22nd
Indiana Pacers @ Boston Celtics
Another good road test for the Pacers as Boston is always a hard place to win. This Boston team is a hard one to figure out. They’re the same Celtics who beat the Miami Heat on a last second shot, and won four in a row. What have they done since then? Just lost three straight. Is this a team tanking or trying to make the playoffs? It looks like they don’t even know. Personally, it’s going to be an interesting game for me to watch as I see one of my favorite former college coaches on the other side. I never thought that Brad Stevens would end up in the NBA, let alone for such a storied franchise in the Boston Celtics. But there is Mr. Stevens coaching up this team, and working his magic at times like he did at Butler. The Pacers are the better team, so the better team should win. I think this will be the Pacers by double figures, and they’ll build off the New York Knick to earn two good road wins. It’s important to show that you can go out and win when you’re supposed to win. This win at Boston assures that.
Saturday, November 23rd
Indiana Pacers vs Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers were that feel good story after three games, where they won three in a row. But now they’ve won one, lost two, won one, lost two. The latest loss included giving up 135 points in regulation to the New Orleans Pelicans. Giving up that many to any team is never a good thing, but to allow the Pelicans to score that much. Just think if the Pacers allowed that many points, people would be highly questioning what the defense is doing. The Sixers are in that same boat of the Celtics, where you’re not quite sure which direction they will be going. I know this week is tough for them on the schedule as this game with the Pacers is their fourth game in the week. That’s a lot of playing time being spent. The Pacers coming back home should be ready to go for this once, and I believe finish up strong with their third straight win.