Injured O’Neal, Tinsley likely to play

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Pacers starters Jermaine O’Neal and Jamaal Tinsley are expected to play in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals despite nagging injuries.

Tinsley left practice early Saturday to have an MRI on his injured left leg, which has hamstring, knee and ankle problems.

O’Neal practiced with a brace on his sprained left knee, but said he fully intended to play against Detroit here today .

O’Neal sprained his left knee in the first quarter of Game 4 when he landed awkwardly after jumping for a rebound.

“It feels pretty good,” said O’Neal, who has had treatment and medication to help keep the swelling down. “It’s not even an issue.”

Tinsley seems to be a bigger question mark, though coach Rick Carlisle said, “I don’t anticipate him not being able to start.”

Tinsley has been slowed by his left leg nearly all series.

The Pacers tied the best-of-7 series 2-2 with a convincing win Friday.