Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Roy Hibbert needs to have a big game Sunday for the Indiana Pacers against the New York Knicks.
So do the rest of the Pacers’ team. However, Hibbert, at his center postion, is a true leader who can carry the Pacers a long way if he’s performing well.
The Pacers have been struggling lately and Hibbert needs to get his teammates settled down for the final three games of the regular season. Their main goal is to stay in third place in the NBA East Conference playoffs and not have a total collapse that might allow the Brooklyn Nets to sneak into the No. 3 spot.
A week ago, the Pacers appeared ready to go into the playoffs strong and as a title contender. Now, some are wondering if they’ll be able to last long in the playoffs. A losing slump can do that to a team.
That’s why every game is critical now for the Pacers. Hibbert, if he played like he did against the Washington Wizards on the road a week ago with 11-of-17 in shooting, 10 rebounds and 25 points, can help his team. If he plays more like he did earlier this week at home with the Cleveland Cavaliers, with 4-of-10 shooting for eight points and five boards, it could be a struggle. The Pacers are looking for spark from somebody to get them out of their current slide.
Hibbert as good of player for this assignment as anyone. He needs to start with a big performance against the Knicks. Then he needs to take that with him to every game for as long as the Pacers will be playing.
