The Pacers have a pair of rookies that will need significant time to grow in Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert, but they are also keeping their eyes on the playoff race.

"It's very important to grow Roy and grow Brandon all year, and they've gotten a lot of opportunity to grow as players. They've improved, and down the stretch, growth is very important," coach Jim O'Brien said.

"But we're also in a playoff race. Plan A, win. Plan B, grow the young guys as much as possible. If they're struggling a little bit, see Plan A."

Indiana is two games back of Milwaukee and Chicago for the eighth, and final, playoff spot in the East.