Frank Vogel is one of the more underrated coaches in the NBA. The Pacers have always been strong defensively under Vogel. They rank fifth this season in giving up the fewest points per game and are fourth in defensive field goal percentage.



But when these teams met just 10 days ago at Indianapolis the Nets won, 123-111, by making 61.3 percent of their shots from the floor. That was the highest percentage the Pacers have ever allowed at home during their history, which goes back to their crazy American Basketball Association days.



Vogel has stressed nothing but defense since the Pacers last played two days ago. This should be an intense matchup anyways with the final playoff spot in the East on the line along with a tiebreaker between the teams.



These are two defensive clubs whose offenses have been overachieving lately. I see a correction happening in this matchup.



The Nets have scored 107 and 106 points, respectively, during their last two games going against the Lakers and Cavaliers. The Lakers rank third-from-last in defense. The Nets ambushed the Cavaliers, who were at the end of a three-game road trip and had just beat physical Memphis by 22 points.



During their previous two games, though, the Nets put up 91 points each against the Hornets and Celtics, two Eastern Conference clubs similar to the Pacers fighting for a playoff spot. That's more indicative of Brooklyn's offense. The Nets rank 23rd offensively, are a below average free throw shooting team and rank 28th in 3-point percentage.



The Pacers have broken triple digits in their last five games. I don't see that continuing. They rank 24th offensively. Prior to their triple digit streak, they had failed to reach 99 points in nine of their last 12 games.



Indiana could catch a break, too, and not face Deron Williams. He's ill and missed Monday's practice.