Pelicans at Pacers, 7 p.m. Friday, Fox Sports Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers know they've been written off by most of the basketball viewing public.

Despite having the fifth-best record in the National Basketball Association, pundits refuse to rank the Pacers among the top-five teams in the league. They're often omitted from discussions of the top-four seed in the Eastern Conference even though they're one of those top four seeds. And they're no longer deemed worthy of the national television spotlight after losing star Victor Oladipo for the season, as TNT swapped out their Feb. 28 game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in favor of a sexier matchup featuring the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Pacers returned to practice Wednesday following the All-Star break, and they will not let the lack of respect nationally hinder their performance over the final 24 games of the regular season.

"Obviously we don't like it," Pacers forward Thad Young said. "We feel that we can play any of those teams that's on the (leader)board. We have played with those teams and there's a reason why we're (the No. 3 seed in the East)."

The Pacers may not feel the love nationally, but their local television viewership remains strong.

According to sportsbusinessdaily.com, the Pacers' average TV rating of 3.61 is the fifth-highest in the league and represents a four percent increase over last season. Of the top five teams in TV ratings, only the Utah Jazz (58 percent increase) have experienced a larger spike in regional viewership. There has been a 10 percent average drop in viewership across the league from this point last year, according to the report.

Whether it's at home on the couch or live at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the Pacers know they can count on the support of their fans.

"Indiana is a basketball state, so when we're at home we feel like we have the advantage," center Myles Turner said, though the Pacers' 22-8 home record is ninth-best in the league. "Guys are always cheering for us loud and proud. Best fans out there."

Playing out of the national spotlight is nothing new for Indiana. Last season, Oladipo led the Pacers to an unexpected 48-34 record and a No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis and crew helped the Pacers find their footing without star Paul George, but the surprising run to the postseason netted them just one national television game during the regular season.

Coach Nate McMillan said his players are aware of the bright lights and added attention of a national TV audience. If they continue their winning ways, the attention of the basketball world will find them.

"That's out of our control," McMillan said of losing the national TV spot. "I don't really worry about that. ... Play the schedule that's given to you, and if you play well and win ballgames then that attention will come.

"You still have to prove yourself. Go out and get it done and things will take care of itself."

Follow IndyStar sports producer Akeem Glaspie on Twitter at @THEAkeemGlaspie.