1. Fact or Fiction: The Indiana Pacers will make the playoffs.
Tim Donahue: Fact. After Chicago’s loss in Miami last night, Indiana just needs one positive result (Pacers win or Bulls loss) out of seven chances. They’ve wasted opportunity after opportunity, but they might not be able to blow this one even if they tried.
Whitney Medworth: Fact. It looks like no matter what the Pacers do, the Bulls are going to keep losing and keep themselves out of the playoff race. Thank you, Chicago!
Will Furr: Fact. The Pacers will make the playoffs and probably avoid the Cavs in the first round. They have the easiest schedule of the trio fighting for two spots and have an advantage already on the Pistons and the Bulls.
Ben Gibson: Fact. Chicago lost to the Miami Heat last night, effectively ending their postseason hopes.
Ryan Barth: Fact. Always helps when you face the 76ers, Knicks, and a Cavs team without LeBron down the stretch to get in. It’s not always pretty, or without some unnecessary late-game drama, but at least the Pacers are generating big second-half leads in the last several games. Seems likely they would finish the last four games at 2-2 in the worst case scenario, which would knock out the Bulls.
Jon Washburn: Fact. After last night’s Bulls loss, the Pacers simply have to avoid losing out in order to make the playoffs. Of course, it would be a fitting irony. If the Pacers put themselves in position to finish the job and then completely faltered down the stretch, nobody would be surprised. But they should make the playoffs.
Next: Seventh Seed?