Indiana Pacers Team Report - February 28

(Basketball News) - The Indiana Pacers will try and get back on the winning track this evening when they welcome the injury-riddled Philadelphia 76ers to Conseco Fieldhouse.

The Pacers had their three-game winning streak stopped on Friday with an 89-77 setback to the New Orleans Hornets at New Orleans Arena. Jermaine O’Neal paced Indiana with 15 points and eight rebounds, as the Pacers fell for just the second time in their last eight games.

Jamaal Tinsley chipped in 14 points, while Fred Jones came off the bench to net 10 points for the Pacers, who shot just 35.9 percent and were outrebounded 52-36 in the loss.

With Detroit’s win over the lowly Atlanta Hawks, Indiana had its lead in the Central Division lowered to 6 1/2 games. It also holds a six-game advantage over the New Jersey Nets for the best record in the East.

The Pacers, who will hit the road for four games following tonight’s tilt, have won six of seven and 12 of their last 14 games at home and is 23-6 in Indiana this season.

Indiana has defeated the Sixers twice already this season and has won five of seven and seven of the last 10 matchups. The Pacers have also been an ungenerous host, winning four of the last five in Indiana.