The last day of school is a lot more fun when you don't have to take a make-up test in order to graduate. After dropping a crucial game against the Cavs, the Pacers need to win their final contest of the regular season in order to avoid the play-in tournament.

Well technically they don't need to win. But stumbling into the 6th seed when all they had to do was beat an inferior, injury riddled Hawks team (who has nothing to play for), at home no less, would be an inauspicious start to the playoffs, to say the least.

The NBA released a chart breaking down all the different playoff scenarios at stake today. Perhaps some of you have the type of brain that can read charts like this. Personally, all I get out of it is a Krispy Kreme glaze over my eyes.

I'm not sure what I want to happen in the other games. It feels like being the 6th seed vs a hobbled Giannis is the most favorable of tough options. I can also see the argument that playing the Cavs in the 4-5 matchup is our best chance at moving to the next round – though after losing to them twice in a row, I'm not sure how I feel that. As much as I love a rivalry with the Knicks, they do scare me. But maybe being matched-up with Brunson is exactly what Tyrese needs to get going.

If the preceding paragraphs seem a bit dour, please don't get me wrong. I fully expect the Pacers to blow the doors off of the Hawks today and ride into the playoffs with some wind in their sails. Things are about to get really fun. Buckle up.

Injuries

Plenty of ink on the injury report today but most of the Pacers seem to be playing.

How to Watch

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Early start alert!

Tipoff is at 1:00 PM ET.

TV: Bally Sports Indiana, NBA League Pass

Radio: 93.5/107.5 The Fan

See ya in the comments!

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