T.J. McConnell is averaging 7.0 assists this month and 9.3 assists in three meetings with the Hawks. Atlanta gives up 28.1 assists per game, tied for sixth-most. McConnell is playing at a high level right now and should get 20-plus minutes in what is a critical game for the Pacers. In the last two matchups against the Hawks, McConnell dished out 14 and 10 assists while playing an average of 24 minutes.

Analysis to come. Been capping all morning but running late to a 12U travel baseball DH on a 50-degree today. Pray for me and go Towsontowne T-Bids (I would not play them on the run line or ML, even with my kid on the mound). Update: T-Birds sweep and Lil Man Got a W and a S! Oh yeah IND has as much to play for as anyone, ATL still getting acclimated to T Young back and far less to play for. Hawks been coasting for postseason. IND can score in bunches and their coach is on record approaching this like a Game 7. Want to avoid the play-in game.