For the third time this month — and fourth time overall — the Pacers are battling the Washington Wizards. Although the Wizards are 3-0 against the Blue & Gold this season, and went 17-6 down the stretch to grab a spot in the first-ever Play-In Tournament, none of that matters tonight. The winner will face the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, while the loser is going home.
The Pacers have some work to do in the second half if they wish to pull out the victory. A 16-0 Washington run in the second quarter helped the hosts grab a 66-52 advantage at the break.