The first mega slate of the year! I approached the coach quotes how I’m going to all year, but the Stats and Notes section isn’t going to be quite as matchup-dependent.
Indiana Pacers at Charlotte Hornets
Team Totals: Pacers 111.3, Hornets 112.3
Injury Report: Miles Bridges (P, knee), Terry Rozier (P, ankle), Malcolm Brogdon (P, shoulder), Justin Holiday (Q, ankle), Jeremy Lamb (Q, wrist), Caris LeVert (O, back), Kelan Martin (O, hamstring), T.J. Warren (O, foot)
Pacers projected starters: Malcolm Brogdon, Chris Duarte, Torrey Craig, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner
Hornets projected starters: LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, Mason Plumlee
Carlisle quotes: Said Caris LeVert won’t be re-evaluated until Oct. 25, said he was hopeful that Justin Holiday can play and Holiday is doing all he can to be ready, said Goga Bitadze needs to “turn the page” before the season (Isaiah Jackson has been ahead of him), said he liked Lamb and Sabonis in a two-man game, said their defensive communication hasn’t been great.
Borrego quotes: Said Rozier’s ankle looked to be OK after it happened, said Miles Bridges went through full contact practice and Hayward went through practice, said Miles Bridges has made huge strides on the offensive end and he can guard 1-5.
Stats and Notes:
*The big concern here is just a lack of wing depth on the Pacers. Over the weekend, it sounded like Justin Holiday was a little closer to doubtful, but Holiday is one of the most durable players in the league. The Pacers have been shifting Duarte to more of a SG role, so his minutes should be safe. We’ll see a little bit of Torrey Craig, and the Pacers may run some bigger lineups out there with maybe some Oshae Brissett. Of course, there’s a very good chance there’s a lot of overlap for T.J. McConnell.
*LaMelo’s role looks to be so good right now. The Hornets’ offense is just catered to him right now with early action to go with spacing and a lot of cutting to potentially really boost his dimes. The Pacers’ defense has struggled early as they adjust from Nate Bjorkgren’s funnel-style defense to more rotations and ball pressure. The Hornets should do some damage. Plus, Borrego continues to talk up Bridges with LaMelo.
*Malcolm Brogdon’s shoulder injury could limit him slightly. He had an AC joint sprain to his non-shooting shoulder, but said he’ll play. There could be some added opportunity for Chris Duarte to produce some offense on the perimeter while we should see a ton of Sabonis as an organizer of their offense. The Hornets were also horrendous at defending treys, so that could really help Duarte.
Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons
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