The Pacers need this game. What is it they say about an injured animal being the most dangerous? Indiana is a game and a half out of the playoffs, so one must assume that they will come out ready to fight. That being said, they were in a similar situation last week and got blown out by New Jersey. I'm not saying we're about to lose this game, I'm just saying the Pacers seem to have a lot more riding on this game than we do.
They just squeaked out a win against San Antonio without Jermaine O'Neal (I think). They still have some fight left in them. I hate the Pacers too much to want them to win, draftpicks or no, though.
Two straight, New Jersey hit hard in the third, although Chicago also had a big edge first quarter. The whole "wallop them in the last two quarters" bit isn't going to work in the playoffs, though.
It feels like it has been going on every game since Houston. Turns out the Pacers suck worse so bad it didn't matter at all though. I don't like their chances of making the playoffs.
__________________ Amir Johnson will be better than Al Horford
I think they do have some incentive to tank, since Atlanta owns their pick (top 10? protected). O'Neal is a good player, but not the kind to build around. They might have to blow it up and keep assets like Granger and Diogu.