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With Playoff Hopes Dwindling, Young Pacers Get More Playing Time

Last updated on Tuesday, March 24, 2009

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) - The Indiana Pacers are getting some time to rest as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.

The blue-and-gold will have had three days to prepare for Wednesday night's game with the Miami Heat at Conseco Fieldhouse. They find themselves four games behind eighth-place Chicago with eleven games remaining. The Bulls added some distance on their pursuers with a two-point win at Washington last night.

Indiana snapped a five-game losing streak with their 108-83 win at Charlotte on Saturday night. Head Coach Jim O'Brien made a significant lineup change against the Bobcats, sitting starting point guard TJ Ford, moving Jarrett Jack from shooting guard to the point and inserting rookie Brandon Rush in Jack's old spot at shooting guard.

Marquis Daniels' absence with a sprained wrist also was a part of O'Brien's decision to give Rush more time on the floor.

As the Pacers' chances for reaching the postseason diminish, expect Rush and rookie center Roy Hibbert to see their roles increased as Indiana starts preparing for the future.

Josh McRoberts could also see his role increase down the stretch if the Pacers fall out of contention. The Carmel native out of Duke has played in just 24 games this season.

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