George Hill to start tonight, face red-hot former teammate

Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill will make his fourth start of the season tonight.

Since returning from a left groin strain, Hill has eased back into the rotation on a minutes restriction. On Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons, however, Hill will expand from five-minute intervals to seven.

"Two minutes (more) a night seems little," said Hill, who has only played in 10 games this season, "but it's a lot when you're talking about getting up and down the floor."

And nothing quite tests the limits of a recovering body like defending a red-hot player such as Pistons point guard D.J. Augustin, who spent the 2012-13 season with the Pacers.

"I know his game a little bit but never seen him play with this much confidence since I've been in the league and since he's been in the league," Hill said. "I think he's playing with a tremendous confidence and playing at a very high level."

Since taking over starting duties from Brandon Jennings (season-ending Achilles tendon injury), Augustin has averaged 21.8 points and 9.2 assists in five games. Also, during Tuesday's 108-91 win over the Miami Heat, Augustin starred with 25 points and 13 assists. His speed played a big factor as four of his eight field goals came in the paint, including one particular blazing transition play in the first quarter when Augustin went coast to coast after a defensive stop and needed only two dribbles from half court to get near the rim.

"He's fast but I'm a little fast, too," Hill said with a grin. "So hopefully we can keep up with each other."