Pacers, Spurs try and get back on winning track

The Spurs have dropped back-to-back games on the heels of a 13-game winning streak that helped them keep pace in the West and clinch a playoff spot. However, the club is still a distant nine games back of Dallas for the lead in the Southwest Division.

San Antonio is coming off a disappointing 91-85 defeat at the hands of the Boston Celtics on Saturday. It was San Antonio’s first loss to Boston since 1997 and its first home setback to the Celtics since 1990.

Tony Parker netted 30 points and Tim Duncan had 20 points and 16 rebounds for San Antonio, which has won seven of eight at home and is 22-9 as the host this season. Tonight’s game is the second of a three-game homestand that concludes Friday against Detroit.

The Spurs swept the season series with Indiana last year and have won six of the last eight overall, including four in a row at home. The clubs will meet for the second and final time this season in Indiana on April 1.

The Pacers, meanwhile, are playing themselves right out of a playoff spot. The club has lost 12 of its last 13 games, including eight straight on the road, and is now a percentage point behind Orlando and New Jersey for the last two playoff spots in the East.

On Tuesday, Yao Ming posted game-highs with 32 points and 14 rebounds as Houston outlasted Indiana, 86-76, at the Toyota Center. Jermaine O’Neal had 25 points and nine rebounds for the Pacers, while Jamal Tinsley added 22 points and six assists in defeat.

O’Neal, though, is doubtful for tonight’s game because of a sprained left knee.

Indiana is 11-22 on the road this season and opens a three-game homestand on Friday against Miami.