NBA Playoff Picture: Breaking Down the Potential Pacers-Magic Series

With just a week remaining in the 2012 NBA regular season, the Indiana Pacers have indefinitely established themselves as the third seed in the East. They have a four-game lead over the Boston Celtics with three games to go, solidifying their highest seed since 2004.

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic are in prime position to finish the season with the sixth seed in the East. They hold a three-game lead over the New York Knicks with four games remaining on their schedule, including a home game against the Charlotte Bobcats.

With the assumption being that the Indiana Pacers will play host to the Orlando Magic, let's take some time out to evaluate the keys to a Pacers' victory.

Point Guard

Jameer Nelson is one of the most underrated players in the NBA, combining range-less scoring ability with efficient play. His 2.38 assist-to-turnover ratio is evidence of such.

Unfortunately for Magic fans, that just won't be enough to counter the combination of Darren Collison and George Hill.

The Pacers have, arguably, the best point guard tandem in the NBA. Collison is a fast-paced, high-octane player who doesn't dish out too many assists, but doesn't turn the ball over either. Hill, on the other hand, can play in transition and the half-court by utilizing his excellent ball-handling skills and variety of scoring options. He too rarely turns the ball over, with an astonishingly low 8 percent of his possessions resulting in turnovers.

Hill also has playoff experience from his days with San Antonio; he averaged 11.7 points over 20 games.

Advantage: Indiana Pacers

Shooting Guard

This is an interesting one, as Jason Richardson has a tendency to show up big come playoff time. His career averages of 18.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 47.3 percent shooting from the field are evidence of such. As is his 41 percent shooting from distance.

For Indiana, Paul George is a true difference-maker. He's a 6'8" (some say 6'10") shooting guard who excels in transition and on the defensive end of the floor. He's excellent at disrupting passing lanes and had a solid first season come playoff time, posting averages of 6.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.4 steals per game.

Unfortunately for Pacer fans, Jason Richardson's playoff experience gives him the edge. Don't be surprised to see Paul George's breakout finally occur with the lights on bright, though.

Advantage: Orlando Magic

Small Forward

This is going to be a much more difficult battle than many Pacers fans expect, as Hedo Turkoglu remains one of the most well-rounded 3s in the game. He's the Magic's primary ball handler, and while he doesn't contribute a handful in one specific area, he does a little bit of everything.

On the Pacers' side is All-Star snub Danny Granger, who is having one of his best seasons to date.

While Granger isn't averaging as high a point total as he had over the past three seasons, he's coming into his own at just the right time. Over the past 12 games, Granger is averaging 23.1 points per game on 47.8 percent shooting. He's also shooting an unreal 49.1 percent from distance, as well as posting averages of 5.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

While Turkoglu will make his mark, it will be Granger that shines brightest.

Advantage: Indiana Pacers

Power Forward

This is the toughest position to pick. The Pacers spent a boatload of money to bring in David West, have a non-stop motor in Tyler Hansbrough and even find some nice contributions from Louis Amundson. Orlando, meanwhile, has one of the premier power forwards in the NBA today: Ryan Anderson.

Who to choose?

What gives Orlando a slight advantage is the fact that Anderson will stretch the floor. He currently leads the league in three-point field goals with 156, 20 more than the next leading player. He's also a front-runner for Most Improved Player of the Year.

David West, meanwhile, is a low-post menace who seems to have finally found his comfort zone in Indiana. He's averaging 18.7 points per game over the past three contests, as well as 9.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 blocks.

Don't think the Magic can't counter him, though, folks. Glen Davis is more than capable of holding his own on the low block

An unfortunate advantage, as David West just hasn't lived up to the hype.

Advantage: Orlando Magic

Center

One of the best match-ups of the postseason has been derailed by news of Dwight Howard's season-ending back surgery. Nevertheless, it's a match-up to watch.

The Pacers will have first-time All-Star Roy Hibbert manning the middle. He's one of the game's most versatile big men as he utilizes his colossal size and frame to bully opponents in the paint, all the while making crisp passes from the post and smooth baby-hook shots. He can also finish above the rim with relative ease.

For the Magic, they'll look to overcome the loss of their franchise player by alternating the undersized-4 Glen Davis with the unproven, yet highly touted, Daniel Orton. An interesting scenario to see play out.

Just not interesting enough to take this one.

Advantage: Indiana Pacers

Bench

This is where the game will be decided. The starting lineups each have their advantages and disadvantages, with the Pacers holding a slight edge in terms of on-paper talent. As we approach the bench play, however, it becomes quite clear who has the advantage in this series.

As outlined in the point-guard's slide, the Pacers have unheralded depth at the point. Both Darren Collison and George Hill could start on any given evening, with the other coming off of the bench for plenty of minutes and even more production. In that area alone, the Pacers suddenly hold a marginal advantage.

The true deciding factor here is Dwight Howard's injury. This forces bench players to play a higher volume of minutes than they're used to, including one being thrust into the starting role at the 5. Depth is now limited and the Pacers can pick the Magic apart.

Look for Tyler Hansbrough and playoff veteran Leandro Barbosa to make the true difference in this series.

Advantage: Indiana Pacers

Coaching

This is going to be one of the most intriguing coaching match-ups of the postseason, as two vocal coaches go toe-to-toe with their season on the line. The only difference is, one has added to an already strong team while the other has lost control of a weakened one.

With that being said, don't be surprised to see the Magic rally around their embattled coach. There is plenty of playoff experience on this team and Stan Van Gundy has found his way to the NBA Finals before.

Regardless of that fact, a young team rallying around a young coach is much more enticing. Frank Vogel, I choose you.

Advantage: Indiana Pacers

Series Outcome

According to these distinctions, the Pacers win with a 4-2 advantage. Not so coincidentally, that's the same margin of victory I expect come playoff time.

Pacers 4 - 2 Orlando Magic