From the start of training camp, the Pacers' primary goal has been to, not just make the playoffs, but secure homecourt advantage for at least the first round.
They go nose-to-nose with that ambition on Friday when they meet the Boston Celtics, with whom they share fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings. A victory will enable them to control their destiny by winning their final two games. A loss would require them to win both games and for the Celtics to lose both.
More than ever, the Pacers have arrived at this moment via the approach that has carried them since their lone All-Star from last season, Victor Oladipo, was lost for the season to an injury on Jan.