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Pacers continue push for postseason vs. lowly Celtics

Apr 7, 2007 - 3:33 PM Boston (23-52) at Indiana (33-42) 7:00 pm EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) - Despite a late-season slide and series of injuries, the Indiana Pacers somehow are still in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They can get closer with a win Saturday over the Boston Celtics.

The Pacers (33-42) have lost 18 of their last 22 games but are just one game behind eighth-place Orlando (34-41) in the race for the final spot. Indiana has not missed the playoffs since 1997, the longest current streak of any team in the East.

Despite the slide, the Pacers have won two of their last three games, including Friday's 112-102 victory at Charlotte.

With All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal hobbled by injuries and managing 14 points on just 4-of-18 shooting, Danny Granger picked up the slack, netting a season-high 32 points on 11-of-14 shooting, including 3-of-3 from the arc.

Indiana also has been without starting center Jeff Foster (back), starting guard Jamaal Tinsley (elbow) and reserve guard Marquis Daniels (knee).

Among other issues, the Celtics also have plenty of injuries. They are without their three best players - swingman Paul Pierce (elbow), forward Al Jefferson (knee) and forward Wally Szczerbiak (ankle).

Boston has dressed just nine players in its last two games, including Friday's 88-85 home loss to Miami in which Ryan Gomes sank four 3-pointers and scored 24 points.

Indiana holds a 2-1 edge in the season series.