5 starters, 1 sub: Pacers down to 6 players because of injuries and rest but nearly beat Hawks

Indiana had a starting five on Monday night. And a reserve.It was nearly enough.The Pacers had 11 players, representing about 93% of their payroll, sidelined because of injuries and other reasons for their game against the Atlanta Hawks — and almost won anyway. With only six players, Indiana cut a 15-point second-half deficit to two in the final minutes before falling 108-104.All six Indiana players logged between 34 and 45 minutes.“These guys all played too many minutes,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said after the game in Indianapolis. “But they played their hearts out. ... The guys left everything out there and our fans got their money's worth, even though we weren't able to win the game.”Monday was the first time since Nov. 20, 2004, that the Pacers used only six players. That game against Orlando was one day after the infamous “Malice at the Palace” brawl between Indiana and Detroit, which led to multiple suspensions.Carlisle coached that Indiana team as well — and drew comparisons