Indiana Pacers Weekly Recap and Preview

Oct 22, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague (0) drives past Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill (3) and shooting guard Paul George (24) towards the basket in the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana at Atlanta Hawks

Jan. 8th, 7:30PM TV – FSMW

The Pacers head south to face the Hawks for the first time this season. Atlanta owns a 18-16 record, but will be at Brooklyn on Monday before hosting the Pacers Wednesday. The Hawks have the third best record in the East, and are the only other team, besides the Pacers and Heat, with a record above .500.

The Hawks recently lost center Al Horford for the season with a torn pectoral. He was leading the team in scoring with 18 points per game. Atlanta is 2-3 since losing him. It’s likely that this team will begin a slow slide down the Eastern Conference without Horford, who has been a rock for this team for the past six seasons. Without Horford, the Hawks lack a player to effectively matchup against Hibbert.

Paul Millsap has stepped up in Horford’s absence. He’s had two games with over 30 points since Horford went out. Indiana native Jeff Teague has also had a impressive performances in that period. Teague has been scoring in the double digits and hasn’t had less than five assists during past five games.

With the Hawks still reeling from the loss of Horford, and trying to find their new identity, expect the Pacers to come away with a comfortable win.