The NBA playoffs started not with a shout but with a whimper for the Indiana Pacers as they dropped game one against an upstart Orlando Magic team in their best of seven series. Fortunately, they were able to overcome an overall mediocre performance shooting in game two with a strong third quarter showing and take home at least one win from Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 93-78.
Their home field advantage might be technically gone, but the Pacers proved in game two that they are the better team and are able to grind games out if they need to against a Magic team that has played very gritty without their start Dwight Howard. Even as the games head to Orlando, the Pacers are being considered the team to beat in the series.
For good reason, too. Danny Granger (in game two, anyway) and Roy Hibbert have been every bit as great as they were hyped to be going into the playoffs, even if they've both been forced into higher minutes that they would probably like. Indiana all year has been a team seen with no true super star talent, and now with the Magic missing Howard they're out playing them in the 'teams without big stars' regard.
Glen Davis has been doing most of the heavy hitting for the Magic so far in the series. If the Magic can strike quickly in front of their home fans, it could spell trouble for the Pacers after splitting their two home ties. Too early in the series to call it a 'must win' for Indiana?
For more on the Indiana Pacers, check out Indy Cornrows. More on the Orlando Magic can be found over at Orlando Pinstriped Post. For more on the NBA in general as the playoffs continue, head to SB Nation's NBA hub at sbnation.com/NBA.
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