Coach Paul Silas said it was a “distinct possibility,’’ following a 111-88 loss to the Indiana Pacers, that Jackson could be shut down for the season. Jackson looked shocked when told that, and said despite the debilitating effects of a left hamstring strain, he’s against it.

“If they shut me down the rest of the season, it’s their decision,’’ said Jackson, the Bobcats’ leading scorer this season. “It won’t be mine.’’

Jackson wants to keep playing, even as the Bobcats’ playoff chances took a major hit with the loss to the Pacers. This was a game they all called a must-win: The Pacers are now three games ahead of the Bobcats for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East, and hold a tiebreaker over the Bobcats.