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Granger, Pacers aim to contiune late-season surge

Apr 12, 2008 - 1:45 PM Charlotte (30-49) at Indiana (35-44) 7:00 pm EDT

INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) - Danny Granger and the Indiana Pacers are hitting their stride at the right time.

Granger looks to guide the Pacers to their fifth straight win on Saturday when they face the Charlotte Bobcats. On Friday, the 6-7 Granger poured in 30 points to lead Indiana to an 85-76 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, keeping its postseason hopes alive.

"Danny was outstanding," Indiana coach Jim O'Brien said. "He is a great shooter and when he gets on a roll, he's really difficult. Without him carrying us in the second half, I don't think we make it out of here with a win."

Despite the win, the Pacers remained two games behind Atlanta (34-42) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

Charlotte fell short in the opener of its three-game road swing with Wednesday's 109-107 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Jason Richardson had 25 points and 10 rebounds.

The Bobcats own the third-worst road record in the East at just 10-29.

In their pervious matchup here, Flip Murray netted 22 points to lead five others in double figures in Indiana's 102-95 victory last month. Richardson finished two assists shy from posting a triple-double.