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With new faces, Pacers take on Heat; O'Neal questionable

Jan 18, 2007 - 5:03 PM Indiana (20-18) at Miami (17-20) 7:00 pm EST

MIAMI (Ticker) -- The Indiana Pacers hope their new look sparks some better results.

After completing a huge eight-player deal on Wednesday, the Pacers on Thursday visit the Miami Heat, who are hoping to have Shaquille O'Neal back in the lineup.

Expected to be a contender in the Eastern Conference, Indiana (20-18) has disappointed this season with inconsistent play. All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal complained to the team's brass about the Pacers' mediocrity, and just two weeks later, major changes were made.

The Pacers traded scorers Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson to Golden State on Wednesday for forwards Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy Jr. The deal also sent guard Sarunas Jasikevicius and forward Josh Powell to the Warriors, with forward Ike Diogu and guard Keith McLeod coming to the Pacers.

Currently seventh in the mediocre Eastern Conference, Indiana hopes its new additions can spark a spirited postseason run. The Pacers have not missed the playoffs since 1997.

The Heat, on the other hand, are starting to look more like last season's championship squad.

Winners of four of its last five games, Miami is hoping to get Shaquille O'Neal back in the lineup, but the superstar center is being cautious about his return. He began practicing last week and recently participated in full-contact drills for the first time since injuring his left knee on November 12.

The Heat have lost 14 of their last 16 games against Indiana, including six of their last eight home contests.