INDIANAPOLIS (Ticker) -- The Indiana Pacers begin the playoffs
with visions of an extended run on Saturday when they host Game
One of an Eastern Conference first-round series against the
Boston Celtics.
Indiana has lost three straight first-round series. But the
Pacers have renewed optimism after their first season under
coach Rick Carlisle ended with a franchise-record 61 wins and
home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Last year, Indiana was seeded third and eliminated in six games
by sixth-seeded Boston. Celtics swingman Paul Pierce led the
way with a spectacular series.
Boston limped to 36 wins and snuck in as the eighth seed after
trading away All-Star forward Antoine Walker. The Celtics have
won three playoff series over the last two years.
MEANINGFUL MATCHUP: Mark Blount vs. Brad Miller. Blount is not a
player who can be taken lightly down low since Boston needs
offense out of him. Miller is not an offensive threat, but his
interior presence could cause problems for the Celtics.
WHO'S HOT: Celtics: F Paul Pierce averaged 27.1 points in last
year's playoffs, including a big performance in Game One of last
year's series with Indiana. ... G Ricky Davis is shooting 51
percent over his last seven games. Pacers: F Jermaine O'Neal is
averaging 21.8 points over his last five games.
WHO'S NOT: Celtics: The team has surrendered more than 100
points in six of their last eight games. Pacers: G Reggie Miller
averaged only 7.8 points over the last six games this season.
STREAKS: Indiana closed the regular season by winning 11 out of
its last 13 games. ... Boston has lost six of its last seven
road games.
SEASON SERIES & HISTORY: Indiana went 3-1 against Boston this
season, winning twice on the road.
The Celtics won last year's playoff meeting with a six-game
triumph.
