Timberwolves lose

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Ron Mercer and Jermaine O'Neal each scored 16 points to lead the Indiana Pacers to an 88-83 exhibition victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

Brad Miller had 15 points and 14 rebounds for the Pacers (4-1).

Kevin Garnett led Minnesota (3-1) with 21 points, and Felipe Lopez came off the bench to add 18 points.

The Pacers played without three players: Ron Artest, who is recovering from surgery to his left pinkie; Austin Croshere, who is out after undergoing surgery on his right foot; and Reggie Miller, who has a sprained right ankle.

Minnesota also was missing three players: Terrell Brandon, who's out after surgery on his left femur; Joe Smith, sidelined with strained groin; and Wally Szczerbiak, who is recovering from a dislocated toe on his left foot.