8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

The Pacers fight for home court advantage won’t come easy

By Jacob Lane

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 09: Indiana Pacers players celebrate in the first half of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 9, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 112-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 09: Indiana Pacers players celebrate in the first half of a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 9, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 112-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Domantas Sabonis Indiana Pacers
Domantas Sabonis Indiana Pacers /

Washington Wizards (46-30) – currently the #6 Seed 

Remaining schedule:

April 3rd: @ Houston Rockets (10% win probability)

April 5th: @ Cleveland Cavaliers (29% win probability)

April 6th: Atlanta Hawks (80% win probability)

April 10th: Boston Celtics (49% win probability)

April 11th: @ Orlando Magic (57% win probability)

Strength of Schedule: 19

Games against projected playoff teams: 3

Games against .500+ teams: 3

Number of Wizards wins (more than Indiana) needed to catch thePacers: 4

Projected finish: 2-3 (Final projected record: 44-38)

The Wizards have struggled down the stretch of the season after being the four seed in the Eastern Conference after the All-Star break. They will have their work cut out for them if they have any chance of surpassing the Pacers, 76ers, or Cleveland Cavaliers. With a projected 2-3 finish in their final five games, the Wizards would end up as the six seed and would likely meet the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. Unfortunately, the Wizards own the tiebreaker over the Pacers, meaning they have a slightly higher chance of catching Indiana, though the chance is still low.

Next: Post-Game Grades: Pacers stay perfect on road trip, win tight bout over Clippers

With the toughest schedule remaining out of teams seeded three through six, Indiana will certainly have their work cut out for them. If they have any shot at playing (up to) four games at Bankers Life Field House in the first round, they will need to play exceptionally. But after beating four teams with winning records over their last five games, there won’t be a team more battle tested than the Pacers down the stretch. Will that benefit them in the push for the playoffs and ultimately the postseason itself? We’ll see.

*All win probabilities courtesy of FiveThirtyEight

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