Since when does a team playing hard have any bearing on the playoffs? 60 win teams are just falling off the map in the playoffs on the regular? The Pacers are going hard because they can, and they have not one key injury. The Heat look like they're coasting because for the most part, the east is easy and they know they can turn it on in the playoffs because they've done it for 3 straight seasons. It's more important for a team like the Pacers to play well throughout the season so they click when the playoffs hit. It's a perfect time to practice the defensive sets. That sh1t is a mentality.
Greg Oden? Eh...Wade is more important. Even though Stephenson is looking like an x-factor I can't trust the Pacers until I see it. Those first 2 home games are vital.