:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49290599/usa-today-9244279.0.jpg)
The Pacers don't know their opponent yet but they do know that two playoff games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse are in their future, so plans are in motion to fill the place for a real home court advantage.
If you want to get a jump on the general public, the Pacers are offering a chance to lock up playoff tix early. Here are the details, but the general options are to buy 2016-17 season tickets or sign up for VIP access through Pacers Insider which gives you access to plenty of Pacers information and deals throughout the season. Remaining tickets go on sale to the general public at 4 p.m. ET, April 14.
So who do you want the Pacers to play?
I like the matchup with the Cavaliers better, except there is the problem that LeBron James will kick things into a gear the Pacers can't match. Cleveland has appeared to be trending in the right direction toward the end of the season, despite some LeBron-led distractions off the court. The games would certainly have a brighter spotlight on them, which normally brings out the best in the Pacers, but again...LeBron.
Another reason to lean toward the Cavs is that the Pacers have struggled so much against Toronto, and after the last disaster at Air Canada Centre, it appears there some bad muscle/memory mojo going on there for the Pacers. On the plus side, though, the Raptors have some playoff pressure after past struggles. Sneaking a game out of Toronto could turn things in the Pacers' favor in a hurry.
Contemplating the playoff matchup would be so much easier if we could rely on some range of acceptable competitiveness from the Pacers. But after show so many quality highs and rock-bottom lows over the last six weeks, it seems more logical to brace for frustration regardless of the opponent.
Check out the links:
Game Rewind: Pacers 129, Nets 105 | Indiana Pacers
Pacers Prefer Winning over Resting | Indiana Pacers
Paul George Named Inaugural Recipient Of Mel Daniels Award | Indiana Pacers
Pacers clinch playoff berth by ripping Nets
Doyel: Is the Pacers' future back in time for playoffs?
KRAVITZ: Pacers reach the playoffs, but their postseason prospec - 13 WTHR Indianapolis
Turner's Rookie Season Full of Bounces | Indiana Pacers
Truth behind Ty Lawson's absence: No heat in hotel room
Playoff bound: Indiana Pacers lock up berth with 129-105 win over Brooklyn Nets | FOX Sports
Stuckey back in the playoffs for the first time since 2009 | Vigilant Sports
Rambis sounds like Knicks fixture in preaching quick 180 | New York Post
Post Game Grades: Pacers Rip Nets to Clinch Playoffs
TheJayGravesReport.com: How the Pacers secured a playoff spot by Brooklyn layin' down! "AAU"