Tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET the Indiana Pacers (38-43) will fight for their playoff lives against the Memphis Grizzlies (54-27) in the final regular season game of the year for both teams. Live stream the game online free by clicking this link, or watch it on ESPN. Pacers fans can listen to the radio broadcast on 1070 The Fan, while Grizzlies fans may do likewise on 92.9 FM ESPN.
Despite missing star forward Paul George for almost the entire season with a broken leg, the Pacers are one win away from making the Eastern Conference playoffs. They control their own destiny, so a win will get them in, although they can lose and still reach the eighth seed if the Brooklyn Nets are also defeated tonight.
"Just all-out heart, and determination, and will, and perseverance, and not quitting," coach Frank Vogel said. "We got down so many times and had so many opportunities to give in. They just persevered through it."
In five games back from the injury George has averaged 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and one assist. When healthy, he is one of the premier two-way players in the NBA, but so far he has been eased back into action, playing 15.2 minutes per game.
The Grizzlies are still playing for a chance at home court in Round 1 of the Western Conference playoffs, so they will be in full force tonight vs. Indiana, not resting their stars in preparation for the postseason.
A win tonight, and some favorable results in other games, would set up a matchup between the Grizzlies and Trailblazers with Game 1 at Memphis. If they lose, or other outcomes don't break their way, they will take on the Los Angeles Clippers with Game 1 at Staples Center.
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