(1) Indiana Pacers vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks
Season Series Tied 2-2
The Indiana Pacers got what they wanted this season grabbing the number one spot in the Eastern Conference. Heading into the playoffs, the Pacers had a slump throughout most of March and some of April, with their private lockerroom problems now becoming public after comments made by center Roy Hibbert. Luckily for Indiana, they will prepare themselves for the second round with a favorable match-up against the Atlanta Hawks.
The birds however will be no push-over, highlighted by their insane 3-point shooting starring Kyle Korver, Cartier Martin, Lou Williams, Shelvin Mack, Mike Scott and center Pero Antic; who virtually makes the entire team deadly from beyond-the-arch. We’re expecting the Hawks win at least one game at home, with the possibility of stealing another one before the Pacers depth and experience come back to form later on the series.
Game 1 – Sat. April 19, Atlanta at Indiana, 7 p.m., ESPN
Game 2 – Tue. April 22, Atlanta at Indiana, 7 p.m., TNT
Game 3 – Thu. April 24, Indiana at Atlanta, 7 p.m., NBA TV
Game 4 – Sat. April 26, Indiana at Atlanta, 2 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Mon. April 28, Atlanta at Indiana, 8 p.m., NBA TV
Game 6 * Thu. May 1, Indiana at Atlanta, TBD, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 3, Atlanta at Indiana, TBD, TNT