Indiana Pacers Weekly Recap and Preview
By Evan Reller
Jan 1, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan (10) handles the ball against Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George (24) during the fourth quarter of a game at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto won the game 95-82. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors at Indiana
Jan. 7th, 7:00PM TV – FSMW
The Raptors head to Indiana with a 16-16 record after a five point loss at Miami. They are 5-1 over their last six games, including the win over the Pacers last week. The Pacers hold a league best 16-1 record at home.
Toronto is a completely different team since they their big trade recently. Despite a .500 record, the Raptors hold the fourth best record in the Eastern Conference.
Enemy number one is DeMar DeRozan who leads the team in scoring with 21 points per game. He had 26 last week against the Pacers, despite a poor shooting night (just 9-for-24). It will be on George to try and lock down DeRozan, and turn him into a volume shooter once again.
Roy Hibbert has been tough against the Raptors, averaging 18 points in the last three meetings and shooting above 60-percent. The Raptors don’t have anyone who can match up against Hibbert one-on-one (few teams do) and a big game from him on offense puts the Pacers over the edge any night.
Few teams can take on the Pacers at home. The weather may keep fans away, but that shouldn’t deter Indiana from another win. Pacers push their current win streak to three, pulling away in the second half.