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IC Cold Links: Pacers Try To Clinch Playoff Spot At Home Against Cavaliers

By Tom Lewis

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April 11, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA: Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson (13) goes up for a shot as Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) defends during the game at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE
April 11, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA: Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson (13) goes up for a shot as Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) defends during the game at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

The Indiana Pacers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime on Wednesday at Quicken Loans Arena and tonight the two teams will complete their home-and-home series at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Consider this a dress rehearsal for the playoffs, giving the Pacers a chance to make adjustments between games against the same team. No doubt Frank Vogel will want his team to assert themselves better defensively and make the Cavs more uncomfortable when they are on offense. The Pacers were able to get away with doing that for the final few minutes of the game, but a more consistent effort throughout the full 48 minutes is preferred. It should also prevent the need to play and extra five minutes in order to win.

With a win tonight the Pacers officially clinch a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Nothing to celebrate at this point, but certainly something to appreciate after the struggles of the recent past.

Check out the links after the jump.

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