The NBA has reached such a stage, where every match is important for those teams who have not yet made it to the Playoffs.
Hence, the game between Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers later tonight is going to be a huge one for both the teams, who are eyeing that Playoff spot with the Indiana Pacers in the ninth position and the Bucks in sixth position.
The current position shows the Bucks to be in a better place compared to the Pacers, but the scenario could change quickly in the remainder of the season.
A string of losses for the Bucks might worsen the situation in the tight Eastern Conference, where teams in the tenth and eleventh position also could move up the standings table in the business end of the regular season.
The Bucks have won 35 and lost 36 games in the competition, while their recent performances do not auger well with seven losses in their last ten games. They need to up their game against the Pacers.
But Pacers also have not been in the best of forms in the league, where they have lost six out of their last ten games.
Both the teams have come into the game as a confident unit after their victory in their last game, as the Bucks defeated the Miami Heat in a close game, 88-89.
Prior to their victory against Heats, they had lost six games in succession and were in a desperate situation to turn their fortunes around. So, the Bucks would like to use the Heats victory as a launching pad to help them climb higher in the standings table and clinch the Playoff berth as well.
But Pacers want to grab the prestigious spot. It could be embarrassing for the Pacers not to make the cut, as they were great last season where they finished at the top of the Eastern conference standings table.
"We're in survival mode right now and every game matters," AFP quoted Frank Vogel, Indiana Pacers coach as saying.
"This is a group that's been deep in the playoffs and I like our chances."
There has been no Pacers player who have taken the league by storm during the season, but they have players such as Rodney Stuckey and CJ Miles, who are good players and have been decent.
Stuckey averages 12.9 points per game this season, while Miles is also similar with 12.4 points. These players need to up their game, if they are to push for the Playoff spot.
Where to Watch Live
The game is scheduled to start at 8pm ET (5:30am IST and 12am GMT) with no live TV coverage in the US.
India viewers can catch it Live on Sony Six.
Viewers around the world can stream it live on NBA.com.
