The cruel math of the NBA is that only five players can be on the court at the same time, and the games last but 48 minutes.

So, as some players emerge, others must suffer for it.

Indiana Pacers forward Austin Croshere, an emerging player himself just a couple of years ago, has been doing his share of suffering lately.

He's averaging 6.7 points and 4.8 rebounds over 20.5 minutes heading into tonight's game against Atlanta at Conseco Fieldhouse, a significant drop-off from the past two seasons when he averaged just over 10 points per game.