Hawks have momentum but carrying weight of history as they seek road playoff win at Indiana

Atlanta Hawks fan give game hero Josh Smith high fives as he leaves the court after leading the Hawks to a 102-91 victory over the Pacers in Game 4 of their first-round NBA basketball playoff series game Monday, April 29, 2013, in Atlanta. The win ties the first round series 2-2. (AP Photo/ Journal-Constitution, Curtis Compton) (The Associated Press)

Indian Pacers Paul George, left, and David West react in the second half as the Atlanta Hawks defeat the Pacers 102-91 in Game 4 of their first-round NBA basketball playoff series game Monday, April 29, 2013, in Atlanta. The win ties the first round series 2-2. (AP Photo/ Journal-Constitution, Curtis Compton) (The Associated Press)

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks headed back to Indiana with plenty of momentum but carrying the weight of history.

Even after two impressive wins on their home court, the Hawks are still a definite underdog as they prepare to take on the Pacers in Game 5 of an opening-round series that, at the very least, suddenly looks a lot more intriguing.

Indiana figures to be a much tougher opponent with the crowd on its side. Remember, the Pacers averaged 110 points and a 16-point margin of victory in the first two games of the best-of-seven series.

The Hawks evened the series at Philips Arena, but this is a franchise that has never done very well in this situation. Since 1968, the team is a dismal 21-84 in road playoff games.