Nets Game Previews

Nets welcome Paul George and the Pacers to Brooklyn to wrap up 3-game homestand

By Anthony Parisi Mar 26, 2016, 9:23am EDT

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After losing three consecutive games, Brooklyn surprised LeBron James and the Cavaliers by stealing a win on Thursday night. It was Brooklyn’s 20th win of the season and it took a collective team effort to take down the Cavs.

Shane Larkin was put back in the starting lineup and he took full advantage of the opportunity. Larkin had 16 points and seven assists in 30 minutes of action. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was under a minutes restriction again but that didn't stop him from having an impact in the 17 minutes he played. Hollis-Jefferson had 10 points, seven rebounds and three steals with eight of those points coming in the 4th quarter.

Brook Lopez had 22 points and seven rebounds. Lopez passed Vince Carter and is now second on the Nets all-time scoring list.

The Nets will look to win back-to-back games as they host the Indiana Pacers. Indiana is 38-33 on the season and they’re right amongst the bundle of teams battling for a playoff spot in the East. Indiana currently holds the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, winning two games in a row. Indiana is coming off of a 92-84 win over the Pelicans.

Rookie Myles Turner led the way for the Pacers with 24 points and 16 rebounds. Paul George left the game early with a bruised right leg which forced Turner to have a huge impact on his birthday. George’s injury is concerning because it occurred on the same leg he gruesomely broke in August of 2014. George is listed as questionable against the Nets. Not having to deal with George would make things a lot easier for the Nets and obviously Indiana would love to have their all-star player active.

Where to follow the game

YES Network on TV, WFAN 101.9 FM on radio. Tip off after 6 PM.

Injuries

The Nets have no injuries besides Jarrett Jack who is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Paul George is questionable with a bruised right knee. George told the media that he’s "hopeful" to play against the Nets.

The game

2015-2016	Brooklyn	Indiana
Record	20-51	38-33
Pace	96.9	99.0
Offensive Efficiency	101.1	101.6
Defensive Efficiency	107.5	99.8
Turnover Rate	15.2	13.4
Assist Rate	17.1	15.8
Offensive Rebounding Rate	23.6	23.1
Rebound Rate	49.4	49.4
Free Throw Rate	20.3	23.1
Effective Field Goal Percentage	49.2	49.5
Opponent's Effective Field Goal Percentage	52.8	48.7

Previous Matchups

On Friday December 18th, Brooklyn lost to Indiana on the road 107-94. In Brooklyn on February 3rd, Brooklyn lost 114-100.

Player to watch: C.J. Miles

C.J. Miles isn't the most noteworthy player on the Pacers, but he’s a guy that has given the Nets problems throughout his career. In his last three games versus the Nets, Miles is averaging 18.6 points per game while shooting 43 percent from three-point range.

Miles is averaging 11.5 points on the season while shooting 40 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point territory. Miles is a player that can get hot at any moment and once he’s hot it’s hard to stop him.

Here’s highlights from one of Miles best games against the Nets.

Pacers X-factor: Myles Turner

If Miles can catch fire like he usually does versus the Nets, it can fuel the Pacers. Miles is a player that can provide instant offense off of the bench, which can be a big factor in helping Indiana.

Turner will need to have an impact against the Nets. With George’s status uncertain, other players like Turner are going to need to step up. Even if George does play, he might not be 100%, so Turner’s performance will have a big impact on the outcome of this game.

Nets X-Factor: Sean Kilpatrick

Kilpatrick has scored in double figures in 7 straight games off of the bench. Brooklyn relies on Kilpatrick to come in the game and provide instant offense. Since he’s joined the Nets, Kilpatrick has been aggressive, he’s not afraid to try and score the basketball.

Kilpatrick scored a career high 25 points on Tuesday versus the Hornets. Incase you missed the game, or if you want to watch it again here's the highlights.

In that game Kilpatrick not only scored, but he was efficient, going 9-of- 2 from the field and 4-of-5 from three-point range. Not to mention that he did all of that in only 27 minutes. Kilpatrick’s performance will be important as usual for the Nets. He and RHJ are their biggest source of offense and defense, respectively off the bench and his scoring will be needed if Brooklyn wants to get a win against a Pacers team that is clawing to keep a playoff spot.

From the Vault

This one never gets too old. Game 5, First Round, 2002 Eastern Conference playoffs. Jason Kidd, who turned 43 this week, vs. Reggie Miller.