| Marty Burns' Breakdown |
|---|
| Indiana |
|
Philadelphia |
| Rik Smits was barely a factor in the first round against shot-blocking
Bucks center Ervin Johnson, a player very similar to Sixers center Theo Ratliff.
The Pacers need Smits to assert himself in the low post, draw double teams and
keep Ratliff occupied or it will be tough to win this
series. |
CENTER The Edge:
None |
Theo Ratliff enjoyed a breakout series against the Hornets,
especially in Game 3 when he blocked six shots and altered several others. He
won't score much, but he will hurt the Pacers on the offensive glass if they
don't put a body on him. He could have a major
impact. |
|
| With Smits' play in decline, power forward Dale Davis will likely need
to have a big series, especially on the boards. Otherwise the Pacers won't have
any inside game. Small forward Jalen Rose also will be asked to do a lot. He
must score, rebound and play help defense on Allen
Iverson. |
FORWARDS The Edge:
 | Tyrone Hill is known for his savvy low post D, but he also hurt
the Pacers this season at the other end (15.3 points and 10.0 rebounds in four
games). Meanwhile, George Lynch helped hold Rose to 41.3% shooting in their
regular-season series. If they can duplicate those efforts, the Sixers should be
in great
shape. |
|
| Mark Jackson and Reggie Miller at times looked old and slow against the
quick-tempo Bucks. But Jackson is still an expert set-up man, and Miller can
still take over a game, as he proved with his 41-point masterpiece in the Game 5
clincher. If Miller doesn't get too tired chasing Iverson around, he could have
more heroics in store. Look for Jackson, meanwhile, to try to take Iverson into
the low post. |
GUARDS The Edge:
 |
Despite playing with several nagging injuries, Iverson bravely
carried the Sixers past the Hornets with his usual scoring, playmaking and
hustle defense. His quickness will give the Pacers fits. Eric Snow hopes to
return after missing the last two playoff games with a chipped ankle bone. His
steady leadership and defense on Miller will be
critical. |
|
| Travis Best, who hit the game-winning three-pointer in Game 5, will
play a key role defending Iverson. However, the Pacers need Austin Croshere
(foot) and Derrick McKey (tendon) to shake off their nagging injuries and play
better -- especially on defense -- than they did against the
Bucks. |
BENCH The Edge:
None |
At 6'10", Toni Kukoc sees the court well and can shoot over
most defenders. Aaron McKie proved against Charlotte that he's a quality backup
for Snow at point, while 7'0" Matt Geiger is playing his best ball of the
season. |
|
| The Pacers showed in their Game 5 victory over Milwaukee how important
home-court advantage is to them. They also are refreshed, having survived a
scare to the Bucks. Look for them to be much more comfortable back in their
half-court
game. |
INTANGIBLES The Edge:
None |
The Sixers have had a week off to rest up and heal for this
series, a big help given all their nagging injuries. They are also extra
motivated, since Indiana swept them out of the playoffs a year
ago. |
|
| With so little time to prepare for the Sixers, coach Larry Bird will
really be tested during this series. There's no doubt he's got a good feel for
his team, but he'll be up against a master tactician in Brown. He'll need to
make smart adjustments on the fly if he wants to hold off his retirement a bit
longer.
|
COACH The Edge:
|
Larry Brown would never say it, but is there any doubt he'd derive
extra pleasure from beating his old team? Especially after getting swept by the
Pacers in the conference semifinals last year? Brown will have his team as ready
as it has ever
been. |
|
| Smits appears to be a shell of the player who was a top five center a
few years ago. Still, he's 7'4" and should get more chances to set up in
the post here than he did against the uptempo
Bucks.
|
'X' FACTOR The Edge:
|
Kukoc is up and down, but when he's on it's often lights out for
opponents. Two years ago, as a member of the Bulls, Kukoc got hot and killed the
Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference
Finals. |
| Burns' Prediction: Sixers in 6 |
|---|
| |
