It seems like forever since the Pacers last played, but it has only been four days.  In their last game, they were successful at putting the brakes on Boston's game plan and beating them with DEFENSE of all things.  Tonight when the Phoenix Suns come to town, there will be more running.  Indiana is going to need the same defensive effort they had on Saturday night.

The key to this game is going to be the interior defense of the Pacers.  Without Rasho Nesterovic doutbful for the game, it is going to be a tough task.  However, Amare Stoudamire has to be slowed down and they can't forget about Shaq either.  I could see Roy Hibbert getting the opportunity to play quite a bit tonight to see if he can matchup with The Diesel.  He has to stay out of foul trouble though.  With Stoudamire, Troy Murphy is going to have to pull him out to the perimeter to see if he can get some cheap fouls when he drives to the bucket. 

The starting lineup, courtesy of Pacers Sports & Entertainment:

Pacers
G - #5 Ford
G - #6 Daniels
F - #33 Granger
F - #3 Murphy
C - #10 Foster

Suns
G - #13 Nash
G - #19 Bell
F - #33 Barnes
F - #1 Stoudemire
C - #32 O'Neal

Mike Dunleavy will be out of the game with his knee tendonitis for the third straight game.  I hope this doesn't develop into a season long issue, but my gut says it will.

SIDENOTE:  I don't think Matt Barnes has it in him to stop Danny Granger at all.  Barnes is an energy player and likes to get into his opponent's heads by beating them to loose balls and making hustle plays against them.  Granger isn't going to let that happen.  END SIDENOTE