Game 11 vs. Indiana (4-3)
Projected Starting Lineup
1. Earl Watson | 6’1″ | 185 lbs | 28.4 MPG | 9.7 PPG |3 APG | 56.4% FG | 55.6% 3 | 82.5% FT
More of a defender than a guy who can create on the offensive end. He is starting in the place of an injured T.J. Ford. Tends to be over exposed as the game goes on, as he is more suited for a backup role. Shooting much better than expected this year.
2. Brandon Rush | 6’6″ | 210 lbs. | 27.4 MPG | 7.3 PPG | 1.6 APG | 38.9% FG | 27.3% 3 | 37% FT
A good defender and that seems to be the only reason he is on the court. He is shooting poorly from all spots on the floor so far this year, and he isn’t the strongest ballhandler.
3. Dahntay Jones | 6’6″ | 220 lbs. | 33.4 MPG | 16.4 PPG |4.1 RPG | 46.4% FG | 0 % 3 | 78.7% FT
A Jersey guy. Having a break-out offensive season so far. One can argue his offensive production is keeping Brandon Rush on the court (you don’t want to have two defenders who can’t do anything on offense on the court at the same time). Still a very tough defender who is very physical.
4. Danny Granger | 6’8″ | 228 lbs. | 37.4 MPG | 24.9 PPG | 6.6 RPG | 42.1% FG | 34.3% 3 | 80 FT
An unreal combination of size, skill, and athletic ability. After Troy Murphy went down, he slide into the PF and hasn’t lost a step. Not only that, he has played even better since the move. Has a nice shooting touch, good handle, and a good sense of the game. Still not the best passer out there, but he is improving.
5. Roy Hibbert | 7’2″ | 278 lbs. | 26.7 MPG | 11.7 PPG | 9 RPG | 52.2% FG | 0% 3 | 75% FT
Many people thought he was on his way to becoming a bust, but during the offeseason, he improved his body, and now he is nearly putting up a double-double. Good sense of when to help defensively which allows him to block his fair share of shots. He is such a big body, that it is hard to get him out of position to keep him off the offensive boards.
Bench
C. Solomon Jones | 6’10” | 245 lbs. | 19.6 MPG | 4.7 PPG | 5.1 APG | 46.7% FG | 0% 3 | 62.5% FT
Draws a high rate of fouls. More of a defender, and best used as a physical presence who can rack up fouls. Getting more minutes than expected with all of the Pacers’ injuries in the backcourt.
G. Luther Head | 6’3″ | 185 lbs. | 18.7 MPG | 6.2 PPG | 1.5 RPG | 41% FG | 10% 3 | 100% FT
Head is a capable wing defender, but is undersized for the two-guard position. He does have good passing skills and takes decent care of the ball, which allows him to slide over to the point guard spot from time to time. Don’t let the low 3 point percentage fool you, he is a very good shooter who can go off at any minute.
F. Tyler Hansbrough | 6’9″ | 250 lbs. | 14.7 MPG | 10.3 PPG | 4.7 RPG | 26% FG | o% 3 | 65% FT
Physical high-motor guy. Plays below the rim, but has enough skills to do that well. A very good rebounder and he seems to be 100% coming off of his injury.
G. Travis Diener | 6’1″ | 175 lbs. | 13.1 MPG | 3.7 PPG | 2.2 APG | 41.3% FG | 39% 3 | 80% FT
Guy who can play both G spots. A very good shooter off the bench.
G. A.J. Price | 6’2″ | 181 lbs. | 6.3 MPG | 2.5 PPG | .5 APG | 42.9% FG | 50% 3 | 50% FT
Another Jersey product coming out of Orange, NJ. A more athletic version of Travis Diener. Plays better defense too.
F. Josh McRoberts | 6’10” | 240 lbs. | 5.3 MPG | 1.8 PPG | 1 RPG | 42.9% FG | 0% 3 | 50% FT
Very athletic big.
F. Troy Murphy | 6’11” | 245 lb | 30 MPG | 8.7 PPG | 9.7 RPG | 43.5% FG | 28.6% 3 | 80% FT
Out.
F. T.J. Ford | 6’0″ | 165 lbs. | 22.3 MPG | 10.4 PPG | 2.1 RPG | 41.3% FG | 0% 3 | 87.5% FT
Out.
F. Jeff Foster | 6’11” | 250 lbs. | 9.5 MPG | 1 PPG | 2.5 RPG | 0% FG | 0% 3 | 100% FT
Out.
F. Mike Dunleavy | 6’9″ | 230 lbs. | No Regular Season Stats
Out.
Offensive Tendencies:
This team loves shooting the 3-ball and everyone except for Hibbert can shoot it well. Granger hit around 40% from three last year and he is now playing the 4. I would say the Nets need to close hard on everyone and do not double down on Hibbert. While he is having a solid year this year so far, I would rather have him posting up against Brook than seeing the Pacers hoist up threes all night.
Defensive Tendencies:
A lot of good on the ball defenders, they guard you close and are very very physical. Probably one of the most physical defensive teams I have seen all year.
Keys To Victory:
The Nets must box out. They must defend the three. They must not allow Granger to go crazy on them.
