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Pretty much a regular
[h=2]PACERS AT CAVALIERS, 7 P.M. ET[/h] March 18, 2013 · 5:44PM
TV: League Pass
TV: League Pass
- Pacers power forward David West (lower back sprain) will not play after his back flared up during Indiana’s plane flight from Philadelphia to Cleveland on Saturday night. Coach Frank Vogel said West is “day to day. He could play tomorrow (against Orlando), but his back is pretty sore, so we’ll see.” West has appeared in 65 of the Pacers’ first 66 games, averaging 17.3 points and 7.7 rebounds. Tyler Hansbrough starts in his place, while Jeff Pendergraph will be the backup power forward.
- Vogel announced another change in Indiana’s rotation as Gerald Green replaces Sam Young at backup small forward. Green has logged a “Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision” in each of the last three contests, but the third-year coach said it was time to give him another opportunity. Over the last four games, Young has averaged 2.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in 10.3 minutes off the bench.
- The Pacers’ starters are center Roy Hibbert, Hansbrough, small forward Paul George, shooting guard Lance Stephenson, and point guard George Hill. Central Division leader Indiana owns the second-best record in the Eastern Conference at 40-26, one game in front of New York. “We’re in a playoff race, every game is important for us,” Vogel said.
- Pacers small forward Danny Granger (left knee soreness) has resumed physical activity and will work out individually for the rest of this week. Granger has been limited to five games this season because of ongoing pain in his knee. “We’ll find out how Danny is doing at the end of the week, then go from there,” Vogel said.
- Cavaliers power forward Luke Walton (nose fracture) suffered a broken nose Saturday during Cleveland’s 119-113 loss in San Antonio, but is active. X-rays revealed a non-displaced fracture that will force him to wear a protective facemask for the remainder of the season.
- The Cavaliers’ lineup is point guard Shaun Livingston, shooting guard Dion Waiters, small forward Alonzo Gee, power forward Tristan Thompson, and center Tyler Zeller.
- Indiana and Cleveland are both riding two-game losing streaks, but the Pacers have won four straight over the Cavaliers.