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Pacers hope O'Neal returns, host Pistons

Apr 3, 2007 - 4:26 PM Detroit (47-26) at Indiana (32-41) 7:00 pm EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) - After a big victory over a Western Conference power, the Indiana Pacers hope the return of All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal can help them avoid the lottery.

The Pacers, who have not missed the playoffs since 1997, expect to have O'Neal back in the lineup when they host the rival Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.

On Sunday, Indiana edged San Antonio, 100-99, on Jamaal Tinsley's layup with 1.1 seconds to play. The Pacers (32-41) snapped a four-game losing streak and pulled within 1 1/2 games of Orlando (34-40) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Pacers won despite the absence of O'Neal, who sat out with a sore left knee. The six-time All-Star leads the team with 19.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game but has missed five of the last 13 contests with the injury.

Indiana is tied with San Antonio for the longest current postseason run of any team.

The Pistons (47-26) are coming off a 94-88 win over Miami on Sunday, their fourth victory in five games. Richard Hamilton, who returned to the lineup after missing four games with a concussion and the flu, scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half.

The Pistons hold a 3 1/2-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers (44-30) in the race for the Central Division title and the best record in the East.

The Pistons are 1-2 vs. the Pacers this season, losing the first two games before a 95-87 victory here January 28. O'Neal has averaged 25.5 points in the three meetings.