How San Antonio Spurs would match up vs. Indiana Pacers

Pacers center Roy Hibbert takes a hook shot over Spurs center Tim Duncan in a Nov. 23 meeting.(Photo Pat Lovell USA TODAY Sports)

With the San Antonio Spurs headed to the NBA Finals USA TODAY Sports takes a look at how they would match up with the Eastern Conference finalist Indiana Pacers

When the Spurs have the ball

The Pacers defense grinds opponents to a halt similar to what the Spurs faced against the Memphis Grizzlies in the Western Conference finals. The Spurs beat the Grizzlies in four games. There's no reason to expect much different from the Pacers. San Antonio spreads the ball better than any other team in the NBA making lightning quick passes around the perimeter and in to and out of the post.

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But the matchups are tough. Pacers center Roy Hibbert at 7 2 can dominate the paint. The Spurs found ways to neutralize Marc Gasol the Grizzlies' defensive player of the year center but much of that was because Duncan is such a capable shooter. David West also is a capable inside defender while Paul George is one of the best in the NBA on the perimeter. The Pacers don't give up ground in the paint but the Spurs know how to keep teams honest on the wings.

When the Pacers have the ball

Indiana struggles to score consistently again very similar to the Grizzlies. And again the Spurs will force jump shots. Keeping Hibbert and West from getting good post position will be similar to keeping Gasol and Zach Randolph out. The Spurs know how to play physical defense and even backups such as Boris Diaw and Matt Bonner have shown craftier defense than they're given credit for.

George will have a one on one matchup with Kawhi Leonard who has similar athleticism and length but hasn't yet fully bloomed. Danny Green and Manu Ginobili also will help while trying to force Lance Stephenson to shoot. As long as Hibbert doesn't control the offensive glass the Spurs should have an advantage.

Top matchup Tony Parker vs. George Hill

Hill was Parker's backup for three years in San Antonio emerging as one of the better bench players in the NBA. Both had breakout seasons this year but for Parker that meant becoming arguably the best point guard in the NBA and Hill became a solid starter in his first real opportunity. Hill has stepped his game up in the playoffs which he also did in San Antonio. He has a size advantage on Parker and is a better defender. But Parker is so quick and crafty that he is extremely difficult to neutralize and he is one of the best in the NBA at slipping past help defenders. Hill will need to keep Parker in front of him. Few can.

Overall

If the Pacers reach the Finals the Spurs will feel a sense of d j vu. The Grizzlies and Pacers are built from the same defense first stock. If San Antonio can stay hot which shouldn't be a problem for such a deep team it should be able to deliver a series similar to the Western Conference finals.

PHOTOS Spurs sweep Grizzlies in Western Conference finals

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