Indiana Pacers
Recap Rewind: The Pacers playoff hopes appeared to be completely extinguished last week with three losses, starting with the Cleveland Cavaliers methodically taking down the Pacers, 105-94. Two road losses against the New Jersey Nets and Orlando Magic served as the deathblow to the Pacers playoff hopes. The Nets and Magic were the two teams the Pacers were chasing so those losses were critical. The San Antonio Spurs then came to town and must’ve felt some sympathy for the Pacers playing without Jermaine O’Neal, as the Pacers pull off one of their more improbable wins of the season.
Notable News: The Pacers playoff hopes refuse to die no matter how foul the stench of their play. With two of their three losses this week against teams they are trying to overtake for the playoffs, it seemed like the 2.5 game deficit would be too much to overcome, especially with San Antonio and Detroit next up on the schedule. But, they do play the games and the Pacers stunning win against the Spurs coupled with a loss by Orlando kept the playoff dream alive…Jermaine O’Neal sat Sunday’s win against the Spurs to rest his troublesome left knee and ankle. Any thoughts about J.O. shutting it down for the season changed after the Pacers win…Ike Diogu took advantage of some extended minutes against the Spurs to record a 18 and 13 double-double, once again proving his offensive productivity when given the opportunity.
Fast Forward: They finish up a killer (literally) stretch of the schedule with a home game against the Detroit Pistons. The schedule lightens up a little with a game at the Charlotte Bobcats followed by a home game against the Boston Celtics.