There may be 27 games and seven weeks left in the NBA season, but the Indiana Pacers say their playoff hopes hinge on what happens in the next seven days.

"For us, this trip is our season," guard Reggie Miller said at Conseco Fieldhouse before the Pacers left Sunday for a four-game western swing that begins tonight against the Golden State Warriors.

 




"This trip can make or break us," forward Jermaine O'Neal added. "If we go out West and falter, we're in trouble. We can't afford to lose four games."