Pacers close in on top seed

While not one of their prettiest victories of the season, the Indiana Pacers' 87-80 win over Miami at Conseco Fieldhouse Sunday served a dual purpose.

It reminded them that their advantage over the rest of the Eastern Conference might not be as great as the standings indicate. But it also reminded them why they have an advantage.

The Pacers (54-19) are now one victory, or one Detroit loss, from clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference. With nine games still to play, it's a safe assumption. The more intriguing question is whether they can win five more and set a franchise record for winning percentage, or perhaps get to 60 victories.

True to form, they claim to be focused on nothing more than the next game, which happens to be at Milwaukee on Tuesday.

"The most important thing is that we beat Milwaukee," said Artest, who was wildly inefficient offensively but greatly effective otherwise. "It's a must win over there. Must."

Via Indianapolis Star

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O'Neal back in starting lineup after missing two games

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Jermaine O'Neal started the Indiana Pacers' game against the Miami Heat on Sunday after missing the last two contests with a bruised left knee.

O'Neal, averaging a team-leading 20.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.65 blocks, was injured in a win over the Chicago Bulls last Monday.

Al Harrington, who is averaging a career-best 13.1 points and 6.4 rebounds, had started in place of O'Neal. The Pacers are 4-0 this season without O'Neal.

Via Associated Press

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Pacers' O'Neal to miss game at least next two games

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Jermaine O'Neal said Wednesday that he will miss at least the next two games with his bruised left knee.

The Indiana Pacers' forward had the knee examined again Wednesday morning and said there is less pain, but more swelling than anticipated.

``Hopefully I'll be back for Miami on Sunday,'' O'Neal said.

O'Neal had an MRI exam Tuesday that revealed the bruise.

Al Harrington will start in O'Neal's place against Dallas, coach Rick Carlisle said.

The All-Star forward injured his knee in Monday's win over the Chicago Bulls. He collided with Bulls guard Ronald Dupree while trying to set a pick on the baseline and immediately crumpled to the floor.

O'Neal is averaging a team-leading 20.3 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.65 blocks a game for the Pacers (51-19).

Via Associated Press

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