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Indiana Pacers have been getting the job done at home this season, beating the likes of Cleveland, Boston and the LA Lakers. But it's on the road where the Pacers have been experiencing problems, as they open a short two-game trek tonight against the Charlotte Bobcats.
Indiana has lost nine in a row away from Conseco Fieldhouse and is just 6-22 as the visitor this season. Its last win as the guest was a 113-110 triumph over Phoenix on January 7 at US Airways Center.
The Pacers, who will also visit Minnesota, have alternated wins and losses over their last six games overall, and are coming off Tuesday's 100-91 home victory versus the Philadelphia 76ers. All-Star Danny Granger registered 20 points and 10 rebounds to help Indiana get off to a big start.
Troy Murphy recorded 17 points, including eight in the fourth quarter, while Roy Hibbert and T.J. Ford tallied 14 points apiece in the win. Ford also dished out seven assists for Indiana. Indiana forward Mike Dunleavy is expected to miss Wednesday's game with a sore right knee and center Jeff Foster (back) is doubtful against Charlotte .
The Bobcats will begin a brief two-game homestand tonight versus the Pacers and Magic, and are 15-14 as the host in 2008-09. They had a two-game winning streak stopped with Tuesday's 107-102 overtime setback at Orlando, as Dwight Howard recorded game-highs of 45 points, 19 rebounds and eight blocked shots in a winning effort.
Raymond Felton notched 22 points, 10 boards and five assists for the Bobcats, who have lost six of their last eight games. Boris Diaw and Emeka Okafor tallied 14 points apiece in defeat.
Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace, who last played on January 27 when he suffered a collapsed lung and broken rib, had eight points and four rebounds on Tuesday. Raja Bell also returned after missing the last three games with a groin injury, finishing with 13 points and six boards.
The 2008-09 season series between Indiana and Charlotte is tied at a game apiece, while the Pacers have won nine of the 16 all-time meetings. The Bobcats have won four of six as the host in this series.
The NBA trade deadline is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. (et) Thursday.
