James Posey made a clutch three-pointer with less than a minute to play to give the Pacers an 86-85 lead. Jameer Nelson decided he didn’t want the game to end like that.

Nelson got a three-point play of his own, and the Orlando Magic escaped Conseco Fieldhouse with a 90-86 win on Saturday night. The Pacers fought hard in the fourth quarter, but Roy Hibbert’s foul trouble in the second half and the free throw disparity in the game were too much for Indiana to overcome.

I have been looking forward to this game since the beginning of the season because of the matchup between Roy Hibbert and Dwight Howard, the best center in the game today.

Hibbert actually outperformed Howard in the first half, out-scoring him 17 to six and pulling down three more rebounds. Hibbert got into foul trouble early in the second half though, and played less than 11 total minutes in the second half. Howard was able to score 14 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, when Orlando needed him most.

The Pacers out-rebounded Orlando in the game, had more assists, more steals, less turnovers, more fast break points and more points in the paint, yet still fell to the Magic at home. With Hibbert out most of the second half, Howard was able to get whatever he wanted. Roy scored just two points in the second half, which really hurt the Pacers on offense.

There is really just one important statistic from Saturday night’s game. Dwight Howard was 11 for 19 from the free throw line. So was the entire Pacers team.

Darren Collison missed his third straight game with a left ankle sprain, and T.J. Ford started in his place. Brandon Rush scored 14 points off the bench, while Roy Hibbert led the team in scoring with 19. Danny Granger struggled somewhat from the floor, shooting just 5 of 18, finishing with 13 points.

Despite the loss, it was closer than some people thought, and the Pacers really had a good shot at winning this one. Orlando’s coach Stan Van Gundy also thinks the Pacers will surprise some people.

“I think Indiana is good. We are on the road playing and it was a very tough loss for them. Both teams played well. I’d be surprised if Indiana isn’t a playoff team, with Hibbert getting better and Granger. We’ll see them in the postseason.”

The postseason is nothing to worry about right now. Up next, the Pacers are headed down to Miami for a game against the Heat on Monday night. It is unclear if the Heat will have Wade for that game, after missing their last game with a sprained wrist.

Here are some tidbits for today in the NBA blogosphere.

Carlos Boozer To Stay Put

The Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks have already told the world that they are interested in pursuing Utah Jazz’s power forward Carlos Boozer. The Desert News reports that the Mavs a great chance of getting Boozer and look to acquire him.

But as of right now, nothing has happened. It seems that Boozer will be staying put…for now. I think he may end up with a different team easily before the NBA season starts. You’ll see.

ESPN says that the Knicks are working out on a sign-and-trade deal involving power forward David Lee and Utah Jazz’s superstar athlete. We’ll see how things turn out, but right now, this is all I can offer to you.

Monta Ellis To Be Traded

The Golden State Warriors may trade point guard Monta Ellis. Guess who decided to go for him? The Dallas Mavericks. Jeez, lay off the acquistions Dallas. Ever since what happened with the Marcin Gortat rodeo, the Mavs have been crazy with off-season adds.

But sadly, none have been a success. But hey, Ellis could be a good deal with the Mavs having an aging point guard in Jason Kidd, who can retire at any minute. Maybe even right now.

Heat Doing An “Audition”

Blazersedge.com says the Miami Heat have “auditioned” free agent Shavlik Randolph to play for the team. Last year, he was seen playing for the Portland Trailblazers (no gimme). Let’s see how he does.

Rudy Gay Wants To Stay

Memphis Blue Bears reports that the Memphis Grizzlies small forward Rudy Gay wants to stay in Memphis. He will be a free agent next summer and wants to sign an extension by October 31. Hope all is well with both sides of this outcome.

Mikki Moore Signs with Warriors

Center Mikki Moore has signed a $1.3M deal with the Golden State Warriors. Moore played about half of a season for the Boston Celtics during the 2008-09 season. Before the Celtics, he played with the Sacramento Kings. More struggled last year, but hopefully, an improvement will come for this year.