Time keeps on slippin’ for the Pacers

Indiana hasn’t missed the playoffs since the 1996-97 campaign, and currently sits a game behind the Orlando Magic. The Pacers are idle on Monday, but the Magic will take on the Milwaukee Bucks tonight with a chance to widen the gap.

The Pacers do not play Orlando anymore this season and will open a three-game road trip on Tuesday against Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Miami. Playing on the road has been a huge problem for Indiana this season, as it owns a 12-25 record away from Conseco Fieldhouse. Indiana has also dropped 11 of its last 12 games as the visitor.

If head coach Rick Carlisle manages to guide his squad into the playoffs, he better find a way to get his players motivated on the road. Even though the Pacers play just two of their remaining six games as the visitor, every game from here on out is vital.

It is also crucial for Indiana that star forward/center Jermaine O’Neal regains his All-Star form. Despite being hampered by a knee and ankle injury over the past few months, O’Neal still leads the team in scoring (19.6) and rebounds (9.8). O’Neal has made just nine of his last 30 shot attempts, spanning the past two games — both wins.

The Pacers haven’t won three straight since mid-February and will try for their third consecutive victory on Tuesday against the 76ers at the Wachovia Center. Tuesday’s showdown between Philadelphia and Indiana is the fourth and final matchup of the regular season. The Pacers lead the series by a 2-1 count and have won four of the last five encounters.

Indiana has won two straight, four of six and six of its last 10 trips to the City of Brotherly Love.

On the injury front for the Pacers, guard Jamaal Tinsley has missed the last two games with an elbow injury. Tinsley is averaging 13.0 points, 6.9 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 70 games this season.