Eastern Notes: Teague, Hunter, McRae, Scott

Pacers point guard Jeff Teague, who was acquired this summer from Atlanta, is a big fan of the Pacers’ new up-tempo attack, Jim Ayello of The Indianapolis Star relays.  “We were just trying to set the tempo,” said Teague, who notched 20 points and helped guide Indiana to a season-opening 130-121 overtime victory against the Mavs. “Trying to get the crowd into the game a little bit. That’s how we have to come out. We have to come out ready to play, and we did. We’re going to be able to get up and down. We’ve got a lot of talented players, so we can get to the basket, penetrate and kick anytime.”

Teague shot just 5-15 from the field, but was dealing with a cut finger he sustained in the first half, Ayello notes. “I thought he [Teague] did some good things,” coach Nate McMillan said after the game. “He established that tempo for us early, pushing the ball. Something happened with his finger and I think that was a distraction and he started to miss a few shots. Overall I thought he did a nice job.”

Here’s more from the Eastern Conference:

• R.J. Hunter, who signed with the Bulls after being waived by the Celtics, said it took him a day to get over being cut and that a number of GMs around the league told him that he needs to improve his strength if he wants to be successful in the league, K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune relays (on Twitter). The shooting guard also noted that he was thankful for Chicago’s interest, calling the team’s support “surreal,” Johnson adds.
• Despite a strong preseason, Jordan McRae didn’t see any action in the Cavs‘ season opening rout of the Knicks. With the team reportedly looking for a taker for the shooting guard and having other roster needs to address, this will make it difficult for Cleveland to land more than a future second round pick for the player, as he is still an unknown quantity in the NBA, Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net writes.
• Hawks forward Mike Scott will be unavailable for Saturday’s contest against the Sixers due to a sore right knee, Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Scott has been limited in training camp due to the knee issue and also missed Thursday’s season opener against the Wizards, the scribe notes. It’s unclear when the veteran will be able to return to the court for Atlanta.