
The Pacers felt Mike Dunleavy would be the key behind their run at a playoff spot.
They may have to look at another option because Dunleavy is dealing with the same right knee injury that caused him to miss the first 34 games this season. The Pacers, who are 13 games under .500, say Dunleavy's injury isn't a major concern, but any kind of setback -- like only playing three minutes against Washington last Sunday -- causes warning flags to go up.
"Structurally, (Dunleavy's) fine, it was just more of a pain threshold from the standpoint of playing extended minutes against Orlando (last Friday)," coach Jim O'Brien said. "So when he comes back after the All-Star break, we'll re-evaluate his minutes."
Dunleavy is averaging 15.1 points, but he clearly isn't the same player. He's shooting 40 percent from the field and he hasn't been as crisp with his ball-handling.
What was once their deepest position, the Pacers' swingman spot is suffering several injuries. All-Star Danny Granger is still bothered by a right knee problem and Marquis Daniels has been sidelined with a bad back.
PACERS 96, CAVALIERS 95: Forward Danny Granger made 1-of-2 free throws with 0.1 seconds left to pull out the victory. Cleveland's LeBron James, who had 47 points, made two free throws with 0.4 seconds left to tie the game on a controversial call. James then fouled Granger on a lob attempt at the basket. Forward Troy Murphy led the Pacers with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Granger added 16 points.