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News and notes on the Pacers

News & Notes

· The first returns in balloting for the 2004 NBA All-Star Game were released on Thursday, Dec, 11. With over 500,000 votes (542,673), Jermaine O'Neal is second among Eastern Conference forwards trailing the league's leading vote-getter, Vince Carter, who has nearly 700,000 votes (696,652). O'Neal is fourth in the Eastern Conference and is fifth among all players. O'Neal is bidding for his third career appearance and his second straight start. He would be the first Pacers' player to ever start two NBA All-Star Games. Balloting continues through Jan. 18, 2004, and the starters will be announced on Jan. 29, 2004.

· Ron Artest led the Pacers in assists in all three games last week, becoming just the second player on the team to lead Indiana in assists in three straight games this season. Artest averaged 6.3 apg in the three games and dealt a team season-high nine assists vs. Washington, 12/9. With five assists, 23 points and eight rebounds against the Bulls, 12/13, Artest became the first Pacers' player to lead his team in all three departments this season and the first to do so since Brad Miller had 22 points, 11 rebounds and five assists (tying Tinsley for team lead) vs. Minnesota, 11/2/02.

· Tickets for the all Pacers’ home games can be purchased at the Conseco Fieldhouse Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, the Internet (www.Ticketmaster.com or www.ConsecoFieldhouse.com) or by phone at 1-317-239-5151 or 1-800-4NBATIX. For group ticket information, call 1-317-917-2500.

Recent Transactions

Dec. 3 Activated Jamison Brewer from the injured list and placed Jamaal Tinsley on the injured list

Oct. 27 Placed James Jones, Jamison Brewer and Jonathan Bender on the injured list

Injury Report

Jonathan Bender (left knee surgery) is on the injured list

James Jones (strained left hamstring) is on the injured list

Jamaal Tinsley (sore lower back) is on the injured list

In the Community

· The Indiana Pacers are teaming up with the Indiana Blood Center to present the “Give Blood, Give Life" blood drive on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Conseco Fieldhouse. All participants will receive a one-of-a-kind Pacers hat and have the opportunity to win prizes, including Pacers tickets, autographed memorabilia and more.

· Also on Tuesday, Dec. 16, fans will have an opportunity to get items autographed by some of their favorite Pacers' players. Ron Artest, Al Harrington, Anthony Johnson and Jamaal Tinsley will be signing autographs in the Home Court Gift Shop at Conseco Fieldhouse from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Pacers will not be providing items to be autographed, however, items are available for purchase at the Home Court Gift Shop. A maximum of two items may be autographed per player.

· For the 21st consecutive year, the Indiana Pacers will assist the United States Marine Corps’ "Toys for Tots" drive, teaming with the U.S.M.C. and Republic Waste Services to collect new, unwrapped toys to help lift the spirits of Indianapolis' children in need. For the three remaining home games leading up to Christmas (Dec. 15, 17 and 19), Republic Waste Services will provide special containers for collection of toys outside Conseco Fieldhouse. Fans may also drop off toys through Dec. 19 at either Home Court Gift Shop, located in Conseco Fieldhouse and Circle Centre Mall.