Pacers still alive in playoff push
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
With just three games remaining in the regular season, the Indiana Pacers are still alive in the playoff race in the Eastern Conference, but time is running out. Paul George is back in the mix, and the Pacers have shown the ability to get hot several times this season. Here is a breakdown of the standings and remaining schedules in the East:
7th- BOSTON: 37-42. Owns tiebreaker. Remaining schedule: CLE, TOR, @MIL.
8th- BROOKLYN: 37-42. Owns tiebreaker. Remaining schedule: @MIL, CHI, ORL
9th- INDIANA: 36-43. 1 GB. Remaining schedule: OKC, WAS, @MEM.
(Photo by Pacers Sports and Entertainment)
Indiana must be two games better than Boston OR Brooklyn in the final three games to surpass one. (Example: If Boston goes 1-2 in their final three games, Pacers would need to go 3-0 to pass them and make playoffs.) Surprisingly enough, Pacer fans will be rooting for LeBron James and the Cavaliers to take care of the Celtics. Boston has the tougher remaining schedule compared to the Nets.
Nothing has come easy for the Pacers this season. At this point, they can only control what is front of them.
Paul George won’t feature his usual explosiveness until next season, but he gives the Pacers an added boost and determination to finish the season on a hot streak. “We’re feeling good,” George said. “We’re definitely focused on trying to make this playoff push and playing with consistency.”
Coach Frank Vogel recently added: “We’re just going to have the mindset of staying in the fight. It’s reasonable to believe we can go on a strong run to finish the season, and that’s how we’re approaching it.”
Playoffs or not, the injury-riddled Pacers are hoping to finish the season with some momentum and give their fans an effort to be proud of.
This story will be updated.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @TylerSmith_ISL
