By improving their performance in crucial moments down the stretch, the Indiana Pacers could be riding a five-game winning streak.

However, the Pacers find themselves lamenting a couple of recent narrow defeats and clinging to the sixth spot in the fiercely competitive Eastern Conference standings as they prepare to face the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.

Indiana is in pursuit of the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic in the battle for the fourth seed and the advantage of playing at home in the initial playoff round. The Pacers are also just ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat in the race to avoid the play-in tournament.

Although the Pacers have secured seven victories in their last twelve games, their most recent pair of losses have come by a combined five points.

Following Anthony Edwards‘ block on Aaron Nesmith‘s last-second layup in Indiana’s narrow 113-111 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 7, the Pacers failed to contain DeMar DeRozan and suffered a 132-129 overtime defeat to the visiting Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.

DeRozan showcased his scoring prowess against the Pacers with 46 points, marking the 16th occasion this season that Indiana has allowed 130 points or more.

“Our defense just wasn’t good enough,” Indiana center Myles Turner said. “DeRozan hit some big shots, special player. But as a whole, I don’t think we were there, just that last part. This time of year, there’s no excuses. You’ve got to find a way to get it done.”

Turner led the Pacers with 27 points, yet their defensive efforts permitted a shooting percentage of 52.2% and saw five players, in addition to DeRozan, reach double-digit point totals.

Brooklyn is scheduled to clash with Indiana three times in their remaining 16 games as they aim to overtake the Atlanta Hawks in the 10th position for the last play-in spot.

While the Nets emerged triumphant over the Hawks two weeks ago during a four-game home stretch, their current six-game road trip has resulted in a 1-3 record, with the finale against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.

Following a matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans at home on Tuesday, Brooklyn will embark on a four-game road journey.

The Nets delivered an impressive performance on Sunday by overpowering the Cleveland Cavaliers in a resounding 120-101 victory. However, their next outing was lackluster, as they never took the lead in a 114-106 loss to Orlando on Wednesday, where they struggled offensively, managing only 16 points in the opening quarter and constantly playing catch-up.

“Our margin of error is too small, and we have to make shots, but that can’t be predicated on energy and effort on defense,” Brooklyn interim coach Kevin Ollie said.

Cam Thomas contributed 21 points and has emerged as Brooklyn’s top scorer in the three games since returning from a six-game absence due to an ankle injury. Despite Thomas’ efforts, the Nets allowed the Magic to shoot 51.9% from the field.

This pattern is consistent with the overall trend. Throughout this road trip, the Nets have allowed their opponents to shoot better than 50% from the field on three occasions, all resulting in defeats.