Things were looking good for the Indiana Pacers as they had won four of their last six games, but some of that optimism was muted by more injury news. Both Rodney Stuckey and Roy Hibbert left the game during the Pacers loss to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday and both are listed day-to-day.

Rodney Stuckey had an X-Ray on his left wrist and results were negative but he and Hibbert are listed as “day to day” — Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) November 23, 2014

When the Pacers take the floor on Monday, Hibbert, C.J. Miles and Stuckey may not be there but we know for sure Paul George, George Hill, C.J. Watson, and David West won’t be. Let’s just think about that. That is an entire starting line up and two subs. The Pacers have played with only 2/3 of an NBA roster this season and they are doing OK with a 5-8 record. It isn’t even a talent issue right now as far as the play on the court, there just aren’t enough bodies.

At this point the Pacers are playing with house money and have nothing to lose. With PG busy being an intern there isn’t any realistic hope for a deep playoff run, but with this many players missing it is miracle that the Pacers are winning at all. In a way, this has made this Pacers season much more watchable. Instead of watching the regular group of starters fight for a playoff spot, we are watching a team that shouldn’t be favored in most games are playing the roll of spolier. They have knocked off a number of quality opponents while also keeping it close in all but two games so far this season.

This isn’t frustrating like The Struggle was because this isn’t a talented roster struggling to beat teams they should destroy. This is a team decimated by injuries forcing healthy and more talented opponents to play four quarters to win.

If the team can keep this attitude as it gets healthy, then the Eastern Conference just got a little more interesting as the Pacers will at least wreck havoc on a playoff race people weren’t expecting them to be a factor in. I don’t see the Pacers winning a championship or the conference without their best player, but they can certainly make the season a helluva ride.

The Games

Charlotte Hornets 86 Indiana Pacers 88

In a game dominated by the “Lance Stephenson returns to Indianapolis” story line, it was Solomon Hill that stole the headlines in the win with a prayer of a putback at the buzzer. It may have been a lot of luck, but it is another box to check off in the young player’s development.

While Lance was worried about being booed (and was, sorta) and the Pacers didn’t look their best but had enough to ruin Stephenson’s homecoming plans. Hibbert shook off the poor performance he had in the last game against Charlotte and scored 18.

The win capped off a series of four wins in five games and was a boost on confidence until…

Phoenix Suns 106 Indiana Pacers 83

Phoenix has had Indiana’s number in recent match ups, but when Rodney Stuckey and Roy Hibbert both leave the game with injuries then you aren’t going to suddenly break that streak of wins for the Suns. Not a good night, but injuries don’t help. The Pacers couldn’t keep up with Phoenix’s pace in the loss.

Worth a read: 4 Numbers to Describe The Early Season

Worth a listen: Miller Time Podcast #87: Flying Solo

Also worth a read: Our Malice in the Palace 10th Anniversary Coverage.