Pacers forward O’Neal has bruised knee

O’Neal was injured during the first quarter of Friday’s series-tying win after landing awkwardly while going up for a rebound. He then had an MRI exam on Sunday, revealing a bruise on the medial and lateral sides of the knee.

He finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots in the win.

According to first-year coach Rick Carlisle, O’Neal had more swelling in the knee and could possibly have it drained. The former first-round pick is averaging 19.7 points and 9.3 rebounds in 14 post-season games in 2004.

"He’s got some discomfort. He’s got some pain, but he also said that he’s going to be out there," Carlisle added.

The 25-year-old O’Neal played in 78 regular-season games and averaged 20.1 points and 10 rebounds per contest.

O’Neal was selected 17th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1996.

Meanwhile, Pacers point guard Jamaal Tinsley is hampered with an injured hamstring, knee and ankle. Tinsley left Game 4 in third quarter after aggravating a sore hamstring and did not return. He was then scheduled to have an MRI Saturday — the results of which were not available.

"I’m going to come out and try to be aggressive early and see where it goes to," Tinsley said. "I just want to be out there."

Indiana will host the Pistons for Game 5 at Conseco Fieldhouse.