The Indiana Pacers had a surprising season last year and nearly stopped Lebron James ascension to the NBA throne, but they could not stop the Miami heat despite having a 2-1 lead in the series. This season the Pacers look to go further in the playoffs and will try to dethrone the reigning champions.
Danny Granger will be the heart and soul of the team and is a proven scorer, who has averaged at least 18 points per game since his third year in the league. Last year his point per game average was at his lowest since that third season, but he should rebound nicely this year barring serious injury. He is currently out of the lineup to begin the season with soreness in his knee.
Roy Hibbert made an All-Star appearance last season and there is no reason he shouldn't be the backup to newly acquired Philadelphia 76er Andrew Bynum on All-Start weekend.
George Hill, David West and Paul George round out a solid starting five that should be able to compete with the elite teams in the East. The acquisition of point guard D.J. Augustin should provide the Pacers with a spark off the bench. Tyler Hansbrough will be able to get plenty of playing time subbing for both Hibbert and West.
According to NBA 2K13, The Pacers will have six players average more than 10 points per game. Indiana will enter the NBA playoffs as the fifth seed and face off against the New York Knicks. The Knick defeated the Pacers in five games eliminating Indiana from title contention. New York has recently matched up well against the Pacers and last season, the Knicks took two-out-of-three regular season games against the Pacers.
Seventh year small forward Granger has a great season and averages 23 point and 7.1 rebounds per game. He earns the second All-Star appearance of his career backing up Lebron James. Point guard Hill has an injury-plagued season is regulated to the bench. Augustin who has a solid season as the starter replaces him.
Here is how the game simulates the Pacers' season:
Regular Season Record: 45-37 Fifth in the Eastern Conference
Top scorers: C Roy Hibbert/ PG D.J. Augustin 14.1 PPG, SG Paul George 14.3 PPG, SF Danny Granger 23.0 PPG
Leading rebounders: PF David West 6.9 RPG, SF Danny Granger 7.1 RPG, C Roy Hibbert 9.0 RPG
Assist Leader: PG George Hill 3.4 APG, SG Paul George 3.9 APG, PG D.J. Augustin 8.6 APG
Playoff Opponents
Round 1: New York Knicks, The Knicks win the series 4-1
Round 2: Did not qualify
Conference Finals: Did not qualify
NBA Finals: Did not qualify
You check out our review of the game here and read about Jeremy Lin's player rating here.
Check out our other NBA 2K13 team previews:
Miami Heat
Oklahoma City Thunder
San Antonio Spurs
Boston Celtics
Los Angeles Lakers
Philadelphia 76ers
New York Knicks
Brooklyn Nets
Chicago Bulls
Los Angeles Clippers
Minnesota Timberwolves
Portland Trail Blazers
Cleveland Cavaliers
Washington Wizards
Denver Nuggets
Phoenix Suns
Houston Rockets
Orlando Magic
Atlanta Hawks
Memphis Grizzlies
New Orleans Hornets
Dallas Mavericks
Milwaukee Bucks
Detroit Pistons
Charlotte Bobcats
Toronto Raptors
Indiana Pacers
