Mar 29, 2009 10:10 AM EST

The Pacers were effectively eliminated from the playoff race after their loss to the Bulls on Saturday afternoon, but they claim they'll continue to play hard.

"They pay us to play 82 games, not until you're out of playoff contention," guard Jarrett Jack said. "We have to go out there no matter what and play with pride and be professional."

Indiana is 5 1/2 games behind Chicago for the eighth, and final, playoff berth with just nine games left in the regular season.

Via Indianapolis Star