Indiana Pacers: Predicting Their Starting Lineup

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 23: Danny Granger #33 of the Indiana Pacers grabs a rebound from Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls as teammates Josh McRoberts #32 and Jeff Foster #10 defend in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA

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This year, the Pacers were back in the playoffs for the first time since 2006, when they lost to the New Jersey Nets in the first round.

Despite finishing under .500, the Pacers are a team on the rise, who are really looking to make some noise in the Central Division.

These five players will be the key for Indiana to become a regular playoff contender in the East.

PG: Darren Collison

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 23: Darren Collison #2 of the Indiana Pacers drives past Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Conseco Fieldhouse on April 23, 2011 in Indianapolis, I

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After acquiring the point guard in a deal with the Hornets, which included James Posey, the Pacers had their point guard spot set for the future.

In a draft-day deal with the Spurs, they traded for back-up point guard George Hill, a tweener who can provide quality time in either guard spot.

He eases the young guards of their minutes and will provide electricity off the bench.

Collison will have to fight for minutes with Hill, but he will probably start for the team.

He led the Pacers in assists with only five per game in the regular season and four per game in the postseason.

To expect solid minutes, Collison must step it up and be a leader for this young squad.

SG: Paul George

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 21: Paul George #24 of the Indiana Pacers shoots against the Chicago Bulls in Game three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2011 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO

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George was a pleasant surprise for the Pacers, and he is probably one of the most underrated scorers in the league.

He gradually earned his minutes through last season and definitely deserves a starting spot.

The rookie averaged just under eight points a game during the regular season, but he dipped down to six during the playoffs.

For him to be the second or third option on offense, he must learn to score in a variety of ways. He is definitely an exciting player to watch, but he started to slow down during the postseason.

SF: Danny Granger

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 26: Danny Granger #33 of the Indiana Pacers drives to the basket past Carlos Boozer #5 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 26, 2011 in Chicago

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Ever since his All-Star season and Most Improved Player Selection in 2009, Granger has tailed off.

He is still a solid contributor to the Pacers offense, averaging over twenty points a game for Indiana.

Granger is the unquestioned leader of the team and is the go-to guy for clutch moments. He has developed into a fine scorer, but he has to improve on the defensive end and continue being the type of guy that was an All-Star and the Pacers expect when they pay him nearly $11 million.

PF: Tyler Hansbrough

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 21: Tyler Hansbrough #50 of the Indiana Pacers shoots the ball while defended by Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls in Game three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2011 at Conseco Fi

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After starring at UNC for four years and winning the Player of the Year Award in 2008, Hansbrough's game has not translated to the NBA.

He is a great rebounder but needs to work on his scoring, particularly his jump shot. He is developing lethal back-to-the-basket moves, but he should learn to exploit his great athleticism.

As a big man, he is a long project for Indiana and will definitely improve over the course of the next few seasons. He is a talented forward to has the raw potential to become a dominant player in this game, and with hard work, he can be an excellent scorer, rebounder and defender in this league.

C: Roy Hibbert

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 26: Joakim Noah #13 and Taj Gibson #22 of the Chicago Bulls defend against Roy Hibbert #55 of the Indiana Pacers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on April 26, 2011 in Ch

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Like Hansbrough, Hibbert has been a long project for the Pacers and is definitely looking like he is going to pan out well for this team.

He is a tall center with an excellent wingspan and the potential to become a talented player.

At 7'2", Hibbert should be grabbing more than seven and a half boards a game. He definitely is improving, but he must learn to use his height and length to his advantage.

His footwork is amazing, and it's clear that he has spent a lot of time refining his post moves. If he spends equal effort on mid-range jump shots and boxing out, he will be the second-best player on this Pacers squad.