The Atlanta Hawks are trying to keep the pressure on but the Indiana Pacers aren't faltering. Atlanta moved to a season-best 10 games over .500 Friday night with a 101-96 win over the Detroit Pistons to keep the pressure on. However, Atlanta wasn't able to make up any ground because the Pacers handed the Oklahoma City Thunder its third-straight loss 103-98 despite 44 points from Kevin Durant.
Indiana has now won four straight and seven of its last 10. The Pacers will host the Boston Celtics Saturday night who are trying to maintain their lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in the Atlantic Division. Atlanta will hit the road to take on the Charlotte Bobcats who they defeated on Wednesday 120-93.
Here is a look at the Eastern Conference Standings through Friday night's action:
| Team | W | L | GB | |
| 1. | Chicago Bulls | 43 | 13 | -- |
| 2. | Miami Heat | 39 | 15 | 3.0 |
| 3. | Indiana Pacers | 34 | 21 | 8.5 |
| 4. | Boston Celtics | 30 | 24 | 12.0 |
| 5. | Atlanta Hawks | 33 | 23 | 10.0 |
| 6. | Orlando Magic | 32 | 23 | 10.5 |
| 7. | Philadelphia 76ers | 29 | 25 | 13.0 |
| 8. | New York Knicks | 28 | 27 | 14.5 |
For more on this game Hawks fans should check out Peachtree Hoops and Pistons fans should visit Detroit Bad Boys. For more news and notes from around the NBA head over to SB Nation's NBA Basketball page.