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Despite slump, playoffs still possible for Pacers

Mar 21, 2008 - 1:31 PM Minnesota (17-50) at Indiana (27-41) 7:00 pm EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) - The Indiana Pacers are 14 games under .500, yet they are still in contention for an Eastern Conference playoff berth as they head into Friday's game with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Despite just 13 wins in their last 42 games, the Pacers are only two games behind New Jersey and Atlanta in the race for the eighth and final playoff spot.

"All these games count now," Indiana guard Ronald Murray said. "We are trying to make the playoffs, so we've got to bring it every night."

The Pacers have won three of their last five games, including a 102-95 victory over Charlotte on Wednesday despite missing leading scorer Danny Granger with a sprained wrist.

Injuries are nothing new to the Pacers.

Jermaine O'Neal hasn't played since January 16 due to a knee injury, but could return next week. Jamaal Tinsley, also battling knee problems, hasn't been in the Pacers' rotation since February 5.

The Timberwolves are 5-27 on the road, but have defeated Indiana three consecutive times. Minnesota, which has won five of seven, is trying to win three straight games for the first time since January 2007.