Indiana Pacers forward Paul George (24) cuts in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha as he drives the lane in the second half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, April 13, 2014. The Pacers defeated the Thunder 102-97. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) (The Associated Press)
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers plan to rest three starters for Wednesday night's regular-season finale at Orlando now that they are the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Coach Frank Vogel said Tuesday that All-Star starter Paul George, Lance Stephenson and David West will not play. All-Star center Roy Hibbert and guard George Hill will start but are not expected to log their usually minutes.
The decision came less than 24 hours after two-time defending champion Miami essentially ceded home-court advantage to the Pacers.
Hibbert and Hill have struggled lately and Vogel hopes they can regain some momentum heading into the playoffs. Hill has taken a total of three shots in the last two games. Hibbert missed all nine of his shots in Sunday's victory over Oklahoma City.
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