What They’re Saying: March 15

Indianapolis Star: “No, Kobe? The Indiana Pacers will believe it when they don’t see it tonight.”  Read More

Los Angeles Times: “Defensively, Indiana is a bear, holding teams to just 89.7 points a game. The Lakers score 102.4 points nightly, but can they get close to that with Kobe Bryant on the shelf with a severely sprained ankle?”  Read More

A Pacers victory over what will likely be a Kobe-less Lakers team Friday sets Indy up to clinch a playoff spot in Philly on Saturday

— Mike Wells (@MikeWellsNBA) March 14, 2013

Associated Press: “With Bryant out, the Lakers will almost certainly lean more heavily on center Dwight Howard, who has finally returned to form with 21.8 points and 16.2 rebounds over his last five contests.”  Read More

Always Miller Time: ”The Pacers will get a great chance to see where Roy Hibbert is at with Friday night’s meeting with the Lakers of Los Angeles.  There we have quite a center match up with Dwight Howard, who looks to be back to his usual form going at Hibbert.” Read More

ESPN.com: “Hibbert struggled offensively in the first half of the season, but seems to have righted the ship. He’s shooting 54 percent since the All-Star break.” Read More

Lakers Nation: “(The Pacers) are a tough, physical team that hangs its hat on its defense, which is second in the league in points allowed per night.” Read More

Los Angeles Daily News: “Vogel also has allowed Shaw to take the most responsibility on compiling scouting reports and offering suggestions. They hope such a partnership grooms him to land a head-coaching gig.” Read More