"The NBA schedule makers didn't do the Indiana Pacers any favors to open the 2008-09 season.

The Pacers open the season against four teams that made the playoffs last season, including the NBA champion Boston Celtics.

The Pacers open Oct. 29 at Detroit, which has appeared in the Eastern Conference finals six consecutive years.

The Pacers play their home opener Nov. 1 against Boston.

The Pacers follow that with a home game against Phoenix before going on the road to play LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers.

Oden at Conseco on March 18Former Lawrence North standout and No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden will make his first NBA appearance at Conseco Fieldhouse on Wednesday, March 18, when his Portland Trail Blazers visit the Indiana Pacers.

Oden missed all of last season with a knee injury.

Memphis guard Mike Conley, Oden's former high school teammate, visits for the only time Wednesday, Feb. 25."