They entered 2010-11 with the longest active streak of winning seasons at home in the NBA � 21, dating back to 1988-89 when they were 20-21.
In the years since, they've gone 571-274 at home, a winning percentage of .676 that equates to an average home record of 28-13. The Pacers never have experienced a losing record at home since moving into Conseco Fieldhouse in 1999, winning 66 percent of their games (296-155).
That homecourt advantage has not yet become manifest in 2010-11 as the Pacers have dropped three of their last four at home. A 102-92 loss to Atlanta Tuesday was not particularly surprising; the Hawks have long posed a vexing matchup problem for the Pacers, winning the last seven meetings.
But frustrating losses like those to shorthanded opponents Milwaukee and Houston are the kind that can prove to be spoilers when the time comes for the final tally. Milwaukee was without Andrew Bogut and Michael Redd. Houston was without Yao Ming and Aaron Brooks.
"We've lost some tough games at home, some close games, lost to a very good basketball team in Atlanta," said Coach Jim O'Brien. "We'll find our stride at home. It's a growing team. I think our team is on a steep learning curve and I'm pleased with the way they react to teaching and as a result I think they'll find their stride and when they find their stride they'll win plenty at home."
The Pacers are 71-57 at home under O'Brien and play four of their next five in Conseco Fieldhouse, including Thursday against the Clippers. Things turn the other direction after that stretch, however, with seven of nine on the road including a four-game Western Conference trip.
Darren Collison (sprained right ankle) and Tyler Hansbrough (sprained left ankle) missed the Atlanta game but Hansbrough was back at practice Wednesday and is expected to play against the Clippers. Collison did not practice, so it appears T.J. Ford will be back in the lineup at point guard for at least one more game.
"Tyler practiced full-out and I think he'll be ready to go," O'Brien said. "D.C., I highly doubt whether he'll play. He could not go at all so I would be the most surprised human being if he was available."
After facing the Clippers, the Pacers host Orlando Saturday, head to Miami Monday and return home to face Cleveland next Tuesday and Oklahoma City the Friday after Thanksgiving.
