Much like the Indiana Pacers, I too am suffering from what is often known as "Holiday Hangover."  I describe this condition as just basically being in a funk after the holidays.  You're worn down from all the hustle and bustle of the season, you're trying to get motivated, but nothing really does the trick.  That is how Indiana is playing right now.

The last time I posted on the Pacers, they were 14-12 and on their way into Minnesota for a gimme game.  Well, that didn't quite happen.  Indiana lost that game, won their next game against Washington, and has now lost five in a row.

The five straight losses aren't just losses, they are getting beat in almost every way possible.  They are getting beat on the boards, shooting poorly, letting the other teams get to the free-throw line, and basically pissing me off.

Danny Granger has not been playing up to par lately either.  During the losing streak he has shot 20-48 from the field.  That is around 40%, not something you want from a guy that can get to the basket as easily as he can.  Speaking of which, Granger has attacked the basket less and less.  I don't know why, I just know he has.  I know that if I was struggling with my shot, I would want a layup or two to help break me out of the funk.

Two more things have sort of helped throw the team out of whack.  1)  Ike Diogu has come back from his injury.  Now, this is a good thing.  But, when you add a person into the rotation that hasn't played in a while (like the whole season), then the chemistry is going to suffer a bit.  2)  Jamal Tinsley's health.  I never thought that I would be saying that this team needs him on the court, but they do.  He really has been the glue guy for them this season and when he isn't on the court, the team turns into a crap sandwich.  Well, not quite a crap sandwich, but a sandwich that has sat in a styrofoam container for like an hour or two and the bread is soggy and the meat is cold....that kind of sandwich.

Indiana will try and break this losing streak tonight against the team that it started against, the Atlanta Hawks.  The Hawks have lost two in a row, so they will also be trying to stop their own skid.  Atlanta is 15-14 and Indiana is now sitting at 15-18 on the season.