Roy Hibbert and the Pacers will take on the Magic, who are missing Dwight Howard, in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
NO. 3 PACERS (42-24) vs. NO. 6 MAGIC (37-29)
Season Series
Magic, 3-1.
Series Revolves Around ...
Momentum. Nobody expects Indiana to lose this series, because Dwight Howard is in post-op, giving a 10-deep Indiana team a perfect opportunity to hit the ground running, put four quick victories in the bank, and convince themselves that they can compete with Miami in the second round.
Key Matchups
Roy Hibbert versus Whoever. Hibbert is a 7-2, 265-pound All-Star capable of the occasional dominant night, but this is just cruel: With Howard sidelined by back surgery, the Pacers center will match up initially with the 6-9 Glen Davis, who has a bad ankle; and then with Daniel Orton, who until April 7 had played 20 minutes in his NBA career.
Savvy Fan Is Watching
The clock, no doubt. Once this is over, Stan Van Gundy will effectively fire Orlando, take his talent to the TV booth for a year or two, and the Magic will go on about searching for someone (Donnie Walsh is ready, willing, and able) who might â€" might â€" restore their dignity.
Our Take
Pacers in 5
Today at Pacers 7 p.m. ESPN
Monday at Pacers 7:30 p.m. NBATV
Wednesday at Magic 7:30 p.m. NBATV
May 5 at Magic 2 p.m. ESPN
*May 8 at Pacers TBD TBD
*May 11 at Pacers TBD TBD
*May 13 at Pacers TBD TBD
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