Three years ago, the Indiana Pacers had the best record in the NBA. Now, they're one loss from tying their franchise record for consecutive defeats.

The Pacers need to win at home against Atlanta on Saturday night to avoid matching the 12-game skid set during the 1988-89 season.

The slide has been particularly tough for fans who have watched the Pacers fall to 29-35 after reaching the playoffs in 16 of the past 17 years -- including six trips to the Eastern Conference finals.

"They're not used to that," Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh told The Associated Press. "We don't like that, we don't want that to happen, and they must be frustrated by that."

The players know what's happening and why, but haven't been able to do anything about it.

"Overall, the general feeling is pretty shocked: Man, how could this group of guys lose 11 in a row?" guard Mike Dunleavy said. "It's kind of been the perfect storm between injuries and road trips and tough opponents and all that."