The Pacers actually have something to play for in their final four games. What looked like four meaningless games have turned into games that could still get Indiana into the playoffs.
The Pacers stayed in playoff contention when they beat the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. Their next challenge comes Friday when they take on the Philadelphia 76ers. The Pacers are 2-0 against Philadelphia this season. The 76ers have locked up a playoff spot, but they're still trying to move up in the standings in the Eastern Conference.
The Pacers could increase their chances of getting victories if they allow power forward Jermaine O'Neal to play more minutes.
The Pacers medical staff continues to limit the six-time All-Star to 20 minutes a game. Coach Jim O'Brien said they would like to increase O'Neal's minutes to 30 a game before the season ends April 16.
PACERS 112, HAWKS 98: The Pacers kept their playoff hopes alive for at least another game.
They had their highest shooting performance in nearly three months Tuesday when they shot 51.3 percent to blow out the Hawks.
The Pacers won two of three meetings against Atlanta this season, meaning they'll have the tiebreaker if the two teams finish with the same record at the end of the season.
Indiana led by 15 points at halftime and by as many 29 points in the second half. The Hawks didn't cut the Pacers' lead under 10 points in the second half.
Mike Dunleavy led Indiana's shooting barrage. The small forward scored 28 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Point guard Flip Murray had 20 points and 10 assists in 30 minutes.
