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Pacers seek to snap nine-game losing streak

Mar 13, 2007 - 2:12 PM Indiana (29-33) at Minnesota (27-35) 8:00 pm EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle is searching for a quick answer to his team's slump.

Looking to maintain a place in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, Indiana attempts to halt a nine-game losing streak Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Pacers are averaging just 86.8 points during the skid, including a 64-point outing against the Los Angeles Clippers. That average slips to 82.4 points in their last five road contests.

Jermaine O'Neal's sprained left knee is not helping matters for Indiana. The league's second-leading shot blocker (2.93) is expected to sit out his third consecutive game.

O'Neal's absence has enabled Ike Diogu to get more playing time. Acquired from the Golden State Warriors on January 17, Diogu scored 16 points in his first start of the season in Sunday's 99-88 loss to Cleveland.

Despite the slide, Indiana is in seventh place in the East with a one-half game lead over the New York Knicks.

The Timberwolves have similar issues as the Pacers these days. Back home after their eighth consecutive road loss, the Timberwolves trail the Los Angeles Clippers by just two games for the last playoff spot in the West.

Even Kevin Garnett's impressive play of late has not been enough to prevent Minnesota from dropping five of its last six, including Saturday's 99-93 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks.

Garnett scored 32 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against the Hawks and is averaging 28.5 points and 12.8 boards, while shooting 52.3 percent (46-of-88) in his last four contests.