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TSN Basketball Analyst

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TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong returns with five thoughts for the start of the week:

1. PAUL GEORGE (Pacers):  A nice win for Indiana against the Clippers on Sunday night and it’s good to have their top player back in the lineup. Though his numbers were modest for him (16 and 7/5 assists), his presence in the lineup makes this club settle down and play through him. That opens the game up for others with higher percentage shots because opponents key on him.  At 10-10, the Pacers have been erratic early on with high expectations after Larry Bird's player and coaching moves this off-season.  It’s time for the Pacers to settle down and get in a groove.  With George in the lineup, they've got a shot to do that.

2. RAJON RONDO (Bulls): He’s suspended for Monday night’s against Portland for 'conduct detrimental to the team.’  He's a wonderful player who at times is a load to deal with.  Managing this dynamic has tested his previous coaches and teams, and for the Bulls to continue their positive play this can't become a distraction.  They need to get him in line quick.

3. SAM DEKKER (Rockets): It’s great to see the former Wisconsin star healthy in his second NBA season after a trying injury-filled rookie season.  He’s had solid numbers so far, averaging 6.6 PPG and 3.7 RPG.  He can really shoot it (50 per cent field goal percentage and a 41 per cent three-point field goal percentage) and is playing in the ideal situation for head coach Mike D'Antoni.  I like his size, athleticism and toughness.  He’s a nice complimentary piece on a team that thrives on having shooters and guys with a big time motor around their star James Harden.  A good fit on both sides. 

4. REGGIE JACKSON (Pistons): He made his return Sunday night in a loss to the Magic with an 18-point, four assist effort after missing the first 21 games.  For Stan Van Gundy's club to go 11-10 without their best player was quite an accomplishment.  With his playmaking, driving, scoring and defensive ability back in the mix, keep an eye on this team.  I like his makeup and what he brings to the Pistons.

5. NIKOLA VUCEVIC (Magic): He's not too pleased coming off the bench right now and his numbers are solid for him (12.5 PPG and 11.4 RPG) yet this is a situation to follow as the season evolves.  He's a legit good player who can score inside, face up and shoot and rebound on both ends.  With the insertion of Bismack Biyombo in the starting lineup, they're trying to right their defence and get more scoring punch off the bench at the same time. Along with the addition of Serge Ibaka, you knew that this would be a crowded and sometimes unhappy front court situation which it has become. Coach Frank Vogel must manage this as best as possible and win games - that's his job, yet I can see this team having to make a move at some point to loosen up the tension for playing time.