INDIANA PACERS
The Pacers are trying hard to overcome self-inflicted effort and execution issues to raise their profile in the Central Division. Easier said than done.
Recap Rewind:The Pacers cruised to two easy wins against Atlanta and Boston. Well, easy by Pacers' standards. In both games, a close score was blown open in the second half by the Pacers. The Celtics were able to make a late run but eventually ran out of bodies and the Pacers won by 13...The Pacers finished the week with another devastating loss to Dallas. After leading throughout the night, the Mavs made every play down the stretch to send the game to OT where they eventually won. Indiana left several game winning plays on the court, any one of which could've earned them a win in regulation.
Notable News:Despite the loss to Dallas, the Pacers are playing consistently better of late. A key reason has been their ability to send the same line up out every night...Jermaine O'Neal has played through a painful ankle injury, but even at 75% his presence on the court forces the opponent to account for him. O'Neal's ankle took a beating in the last game against Dallas, so he remains day-to-day heading into next week.
Fast Forward:The Pacers go to New Jersey for a MLK Day matinee against the Nets. From Jersey, they head to South Beach for a date with the Heat on Thursday. The Pacers finish up the week at home against the Knicks. Winning two of these three games is mandatory to keep the Pacers moving in a positive direction.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Ouch. Looking back on the Bucks' week, the only thought that comes to mind is -- ouch.
Recap Rewind:The Bucks suffered double-digit losses to Denver, Toronto, and Philly this week to extend their losing streak to five games...Devastated by injuries, the Bucks were thrown a bone by Mother Nature as an ice storm ground the Hornets in Oklahoma City thus postponing their Saturday night game in Milwaukee.
Notable News:Where to begin? Let's start with leading scorer, Michael Redd, out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury sustained Jan. 5th against Cleveland...Next in line is second leading scorer, Mo Williams who sprained his left shoulder against Denver, putting him on the shelf for 2-3 weeks...Fourth leading scorer, Charlie Villanueva remains out with a strained right shoulder. His return is unknown but should be soon...One final injury note. Bobby Simmons, already declared done for the season, had surgery on his foot with hopes of a healthy 2007-08 season...With the starting backcourt in street clothes, the Bucks sent Steve Blake to Denver for Earl Boykins, Julius Hodge and some cash. The Bucks needed players and the Nuggets needed luxury tax relief so a deal was made...There is some good news for the Bucks. The lone healthy starter remaining, Andrew Bogut, is playing well as his 20 point, 24 rebound effort against Philly will attest.
Fast Forward:The Bucks celebrate MKL Day at Charlotte then come home to face the Bulls. They end the week on the road with the Pacific Northwest double against Seattle and Portland.
DIVISION REPORTS
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Central Division
Southeast Division
Western Conference
