by Max Clark
The Pacers experienced a best case scenario with the In-Season Tournament and overall success of the first half campaign. They knocked off almost all of the top teams in the East and are only 5 wins away from clearing their original season win total of 35.5 games. Perhaps 45 wins and to finish as a Top 6 seed in the Eastern Conference is a more realistic goal at this point. Less than two years after the Pacers “earned” the 6th overall pick to select Bennedict Mathurin in the 2022 NBA draft; It’s now extremely likely that the Indiana Pacers will play in a playoff series.
Tyrese Haliburton is an All-Star Starter and is seemingly an All-NBA lock. Best case scenarios are a reality in Indiana.
One bittersweet thing is the loss of Buddy Hield. The vibes have changed without him and I miss Buddy pulling and hitting crazy threes. Specifically in the Pacers @ Hawks In-Season Tournament game which was the highest scoring outing of the NBA season so far.
It’s safe to say the fanbase would like to get that feel good in-season tournament-esqe high once again to have some confidence going into a series. With the new squad, I worry if that same level of shotmaking can still be present. Only time will tell us if this is still the best offense in the NBA once the trade dust has settled. Siakam will give us his usual numbers, Haliburton and Myles Turner will need to play at a high level — it may all be on Mathurin to get this team over the hump, but that’s what we want anyways. Mathurin got a lot of shine during All-Star weekend, and while the Pacers were the home team, hopefully people around the league are starting to notice the ascension.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, Siakam certainly isn’t the “Giannis Stopper” but his size will provide additional and MUCH NEEDED resistance in the paint. I’m pretty sure every NBA fan is rooting for a Bucks/Pacers series.
Other Notes:
Still BEGGING for more Jarace Walker minutes
My Jordan Nwora prediction didn’t really work out with McConnell having a somewhat consistent role throughout the season, but maybe he will get his opportunity in Toronto
Isaiah Jackson has really impressed me with his rim protection, do not be surprised if he’s making huge plays throughout some of the important games down the stretch.
McConnell/Nembhard will need to have strong finishes to the season to have clear roles for next year.
In conclusion, as the Pacers settle in with lots of practice, ten games from now should be a great time to have a better idea of the trajectory of this team, and hopefully OVER 35.5 wins is cashed by then. For the rest of the season, the Pacers are playing with house money and I can’t wait to enjoy the show.
West Coast Hoops 