By Bill Potter – Writer

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Feb 28, 2011 - Having dropped two straight games to Western Conference opponents, the road becomes no easier for the Indiana Pacers this week.  Another team from the west, Golden State, visits Conseco Fieldhouse before the Pacers embark on their annual swing through Texas and Oklahoma.

Tuesday, March 1 – Golden State (7pm ET, FSIndiana)
The Warriors score a ton of points, but at the same time, give up points in droves.  While Phoenix at least showed a willingness to get stops, the same isn’t always true of Golden State.  If the Pacers can buckle down on the defensive end, they should be able to snap their skid.

Wednesday, March 2 – at Oklahoma City (8pm ET, FSIndiana)
The first game on a three game trip comes on the back end of a back-to-back against one of the NBA’s up-and-coming franchises.  The Thunder supplemented a strong lineup with Kendrick Perkins at the trade deadline, which means Roy Hibbert and Tyler Hansbrough have their work cut out against Perkins and Serge Ibaka.

Friday, March 4 – at Dallas (8:30pm ET, FSIndiana)
The Mavericks were the last win the Pacers picked up before a fateful six-game losing streak that pushed out Jim O’Brien and ushered in Frank Vogel.  Dallas was also playing without Dirk Nowitzki, who will be back for this game.  Indiana will need to muster one of its best road efforts of the season to come away with a win against the Mavericks, who at 43-16, are trying to catch San Antonio for the southwest division crown.

Saturday, March 5 – at Houston (8:30pm ET, FSIndiana)
The Pacers have played well in Houston of late, winning two straight at the Toyota Center.  While the Rockets sit at the bottom of the Southwest Division, their record is still better than Indiana’s, meaning the Pacers will have their work cut out for them once again.