Pacers (4-4) at Celtics (3-3) Game #7 11/11/15

[jpotter33]

Looks like Smart and/or Bradley should be back tonight. Before assigning Young to the D-League practice today, they were waiting to see what Smart and Bradley's status was for tonight. Now they just assigned him.

Speaking about Smart, is there anything about the team's recent play that suggests they actually need him?

I think so. For one, he's been excellent with controlling the ball this year only averaging .7 TOs a game. He'd definitely help our TO situation, because like it or not, IT and ET are both turnover-prone at times.

Also, though we've lucked out so far in people not taking advantage of IT defensively, it will happen sooner or later. His first quarter yesterday was abysmal, because he couldn't deal with the length of the Bucks.

[thirstyboots18]

FL...I don't always post, but I always read, appreciate and TP your game posts.  Thanks for the great work. I really wanted to see this game live, but, sadly, may miss the first 1/2 or 3/4.   I know I can count on this thread to quickly update me when I get back on line.    tb

[kozlodoev]

Looks like Smart and/or Bradley should be back tonight. Before assigning Young to the D-League practice today, they were waiting to see what Smart and Bradley's status was for tonight. Now they just assigned him.

Speaking about Smart, is there anything about the team's recent play that suggests they actually need him?

I think so. For one, he's been excellent with controlling the ball this year only averaging .7 TOs a game. He'd definitely help our TO situation, because like it or not, IT and ET are both turnover-prone at times.

Also, though we've lucked out so far in people not taking advantage of IT defensively, it will happen sooner or later. His first quarter yesterday was abysmal, because he couldn't deal with the length of the Bucks.

I don't know. Hunter just seems to be a better fit with this group where you get playmaking and scoring from Thomas, defense from Bradley, and a little bit of all three from Turner.

[ssspence]

Looks like Smart and/or Bradley should be back tonight. Before assigning Young to the D-League practice today, they were waiting to see what Smart and Bradley's status was for tonight. Now they just assigned him.

Speaking about Smart, is there anything about the team's recent play that suggests they actually need him?

I think so. For one, he's been excellent with controlling the ball this year only averaging .7 TOs a game. He'd definitely help our TO situation, because like it or not, IT and ET are both turnover-prone at times.

Also, though we've lucked out so far in people not taking advantage of IT defensively, it will happen sooner or later. His first quarter yesterday was abysmal, because he couldn't deal with the length of the Bucks.

I don't know. Hunter just seems to be a better fit with this group where you get playmaking and scoring from Thomas, defense from Bradley, and a little bit of all three from Turner.

But Smart's a better defender than Bradley. Is there anything that suggests Bradley's an important part of a rotation that includes Thomas, Smart, Hunter, Turner and Rozier?

[kozlodoev]

But Smart's a better defender than Bradley. Is there anything that suggests Bradley's an important part of a rotation that includes Thomas, Smart, Hunter, Turner and Rozier?

He can make a shot?

[ssspence]

But Smart's a better defender than Bradley. Is there anything that suggests Bradley's an important part of a rotation that includes Thomas, Smart, Hunter, Turner and Rozier?

He can make a shot?

I won't defend Smart's shooting, but I certianly feel like that's pretty much all they get outta Avery these days -- and it's as if they have to run a play for him to have him be effective.

[jpotter33]

Avery is out tonight. No word on Smart yet.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2585893-avery-bradley-injury-updates-on-celtics-guards-leg-and-return

[greece66]

Win today will be sweet 
(altho early sleep is again unavoidable, unless Zeller has a streak of 3pointers  )

[jpotter33]

Smart will play tonight.

https://twitter.com/SherrodbCSN/status/664571565061771264

At least for tonight this makes Brad's job easier, but when Avery and Smart are both healthy, who of Smart, AB, and IT heads to the bench?

I can't wait to see the IT/Smart combo starting. I wanted that pair starting to start the season, and though I think I prefer IT coming off of the bench now, if IT does start I want it to be with Smart. Give Bradley the go-ahead to score against bench units.

[greece66]

Smart will play tonight.

PS I do miss the time we could publish gifs here 

[jpotter33]

Smart will play tonight.

http://i.giphy.com/AwLhdQZ229gRi.gif

PS I do miss the time we could publish gifs here 

You can still do it!

[ImShakHeIsShaq]

WOOOTTT I missed Smaht!

[greece66]

Smart will play tonight.

http://i.giphy.com/AwLhdQZ229gRi.gif

PS I do miss the time we could publish gifs here 

You can still do it!

TP

actually all I have to do is add the [img][img] thing 

[jpotter33]

Well, I guess Turner is starting over Smart in order to manage his minutes.

[kozlodoev]

But Smart's a better defender than Bradley. Is there anything that suggests Bradley's an important part of a rotation that includes Thomas, Smart, Hunter, Turner and Rozier?

He can make a shot?

I won't defend Smart's shooting, but I certianly feel like that's pretty much all they get outta Avery these days -- and it's as if they have to run a play for him to have him be effective.

Well, that's true. On the other hand, I'm not sure what you're getting out of Smart other than defense and an occasional spot-up three. Sure, he doesn't turn it over, but I don't really think he's running the offense much. If you're looking for a guy that can dribble it across half-court without tripping on his own feet, sure, but I hoped he'll be a little more useful once he does.