Let’s cut straight to the chase.
The Indiana Pacers held off the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight, 116-104 despite Russell Westbrook erupting for a career-high 54 points. CJ Miles led the Pacers with 30, George Hill played big with 19 and 7 on just 10 shots, Roy Hibbert won his matchup against Enes Kanter with 17 and 10 with 2 blocks, and Paul George scored 8 points including his first dunk since his return (it was actually a travel) and banked in a three as the third quarter buzzer sounded to give the Pacers a 6-point cushion heading into the fourth.
OKC remains tied with New Orleans for the 8th seed in the West with two games left, but the Pelicans hold the tiebreaker. The bigger problem is that Westbrook picked up his 16th technical of the season during tonight’s game and would be suspended against their next game against Portland unless he manages to get it rescinded.
For the Pacers, the win gives their slim playoff hopes a bit more life because Brooklyn finally lost, getting bounced 96-73 against Milwaukee, who clinched the 6th seed. I had expected Boston to lose a game or two in their back-to-back against Cleveland, but with the Cavs locked into the 2nd seed they decided to rest players and it handed the Celtics two easy wins on a silver platter.
So now, with two games left to go, the playoff race looks like this:
7. Boston 38W 42L (Toronto, @Milwaukee)
8. Brooklyn 37W 43L (Chicago, Orlando)
9. Indiana 37W 43L (Washington, @Memphis)
10. Miami 35W 45L (Orlando, @Philadelphia)
Indiana can still make the playoffs if:
1. they win their last two games and (a) Boston loses both theirs; or (b) Brooklyn loses at least one
2. they win one of their last two games and Brooklyn loses both theirs
3. they and Brooklyn both lose their last two games and Miami wins both theirs (in which case Brooklyn misses out because of tiebreakers)
So the Pacers stand a chance of making the playoffs whether they win or lose their last two games, but in each scenario it will depend on other teams losing games in a specific manner.
With Milwaukee having locked up the 6th seed, it’s likely that Boston, which has been playing insanely well as of late, will get another freebie in their last game of the season and probably lock up that 7th seed. Brooklyn looked vulnerable in their loss against Milwaukee but will look to bounce back against Chicago. If Brooklyn were to lose another one it’ll probably have to come in this one.
As for the Pacers, neither Washington nor Memphis will be pushovers, especially as it will be a back-to-back situation. Washington looks almost certain to finish as the 5th seed, so perhaps they won’t be as dangerous, though Memphis will be very tough given they can still make their way up the West standings.
At this point, any outcome should be viewed upon as a positive one. The Pacers have overcome adversity all season and fans should be content whether they squeeze into the playoffs or finish up with a solid lottery pick.
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