While the Indiana Pacers will be shooting for their longest winning streak in four months, the Washington Wizards hope to avoid matching a franchise record for consecutive losses when these two teams square off tonight at Conseco Fieldhouse. Washington has dropped 12 straight contests since an 89-85 road decision over NBA-worst New Jersey on February 28. It's the club's longest stretch of defeats since a 13-game skid from March 21-April 13, 1995.
The Wizards also lost a team-record 13 in a row from December 17, 1966-January 8, 1967, when the organization was then located in Baltimore.
Washington nearly put an end to its slide last night, but came up on the short end of a 95-86 overtime verdict to visiting Charlotte.
The Wizards fought hard and sent the game into extra minutes when Al Thornton hit a three-pointer with 8.7 seconds remaining in regulation. The Bobcats controlled overtime, however, outscoring Washington 12-2 to start the period to put the contest out of reach.
"It is a learning process," said Wizards guard Randy Foye afterward. "A lot of guys haven't played all year. I know I haven't. I made a lot of stupid mistakes out there."
Mike Miller led Washington with 15 points and JaVale McGee contributed 14 with 12 rebounds before fouling out. Thornton finished with 10 points, eight of which came in the fourth quarter.
The Wizards draw another tough assignment tonight from an Indiana squad that's playing some of its best basketball of the season as of late. The Pacers won their third straight outing with Tuesday's 98-83 triumph at Detroit and return to Conseco Fieldhouse having won their last five tests on their home court.
Danny Granger has led Indiana's late surge and delivered his second consecutive 32-point outing in last night's win over the Pistons. Brandon Rush added 20 points and Troy Murphy compiled 10 points and 12 rebounds to help the Pacers halt a nine-game road losing streak.
"It is a good way to end [the streak]," said guard Earl Watson, who contributed 13 assists on the night. "At the same time, the season is about to end and we are trying to take advantage of every opportunity."
Indiana hasn't won four consecutive tilts since a season-high five-game run from November 4-17 and last posted six straight home victories from February 6-March 1, 2009.
The Pacers have also taken the last three meetings in this series, two of which have taken place this season. The Wizards have lost in each of their last four trips to Conseco Fieldhouse, including a 102-86 setback there on November 6.