Indiana Pacers’ point guard George Hill went for 27 points in a recent win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Currently sitting at 49-29, the Pacers’ remaining slate includes the Brooklyn Nets, the New York Knicks, the Boston Celtics, and the Philadelphia 76ers. The first and the last game are at home, while the two in the middle are on the road. Three of the four teams are playoff-bound, while the Knicks lead the Pacers by two games, and the Nets trail the Pacers by three in the hunt for higher seeds.

Pacers’ fans would certainly hope to see its team peaking as the playoffs near, but they have actually lost two of their last three games. It would have been three of three were it not for a 20-point fourth-quarter turnaround win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday in a game in which Head Coach Frank Vogel got ejected. Five Pacers scored in double figures in a winning effort, including George Hill’s 27.

The remaining schedule will be a good test for this group to see how well-focused they are heading into the postseason. The easiest game left is the last one, which will probably be the hardest one one to care about, unless seedings are still to be determined.

But you can bet the Nets and Knicks in particular will be up for the challenge. Brook Lopez (19.4 ppg) and the Nets come to Indianapolis as winners of four of their last five games. The Knicks, who host the Pacers, have won 13 out of 14 games and are led by Carmelo Anthony’s 28.7 points per game.

The Celtics’ season has been a disappointing one by their own standards, but you still can’t count on an anything close to an automatic-win on the road against a team with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

What can the Pacers do to win this game? 

Tough Physical Play

This should be where the Pacers could really get back on the Celtics.  Last time out, the Celtics just looked tougher and played tougher.  But this Pacers team isn’t a push over type team.  They know when to step up and impose their own will.  I would look for David West to continue his gritty play as of late, especially in that Bulls game when he goes for 31 points, a quiet 31 one at that.  But Pacer fans know how valuable West is, and I can see him coming out to carry the Pacers to the finish line tonight.

Continue the Home Dominance

Sure there have been a couple of blips here and there for the Pacers at home.  But in February, they won 7 home games all by double figures.  Two losses came in overtime, and that last loss at home last month was just a tough loss.  The Pacers show how they can turn it on at home, especially by putting up over 100 points there.  The team looks so much more fluid and energized at home.  Getting a good win against a potential playoff match up could do wonders for the Blue and Gold.

Paul George Paul George

I’m not knocking what Paul George has been doing, which is a double double machine for four of the past five games.  Therefore, I want that to continue.  I think 20 and 10 really helps the Pacers get going in this game.  George has been so impressive at times, and I want that to continue.  What better way to do it against the tough play of the Celtics and against one of the better defenders in Paul Pierce?  Usually Pierce is the one beating the Pacers, but tonight the tables can be turned. It’s time for George to step up and fire away on the Celtics like it’s the Boston Tea Party.