Indiana Pacers Team Report - March 7

(Basketball News) - Life without starting center Jermaine O’Neal continued with a thud for the Pacers on Sunday, as they dropped a 104-93 decision to the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center.

Indiana played its second straight game without O’Neal, who was placed on the injured list Friday with a shoulder injury. O’Neal will miss at least five games.

Meanwhile, Indiana point guard Jamaal Tinsley (foot) missed his sixth straight game. Tinsley, who has played just three times since January, could be out another week.

Leading Indiana, which was playing the third of four straight on the road, was Stephen Jackson with season-high-tying 29 points on 11-of-25 shooting. Fred Jones had 18 points, James Jones contributed 12 and Reggie Miller netted 11 for the Pacers, who fell to 1-2 on their current swing.

Jackson has averaged 17.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest in 23 games this season. The 26-year-old has posted 25.4 points per game in his last four.

The Pacers have lost six straight and 12 of their last 13 at the Lakers. Indiana fell to 13-17 on the road this season.

Indiana is currently tied with Philadelphia for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers reside in fourth in the Central Division, 7 1/2 games behind first place Detroit.

Indiana will finish up its road trip in Utah on Tuesday night. The Pacers will then return home to host Golden State on Friday. Indiana will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Gund Arena this Sunday as well.