Posted on by

Pacers are counting on continuity and motivation to make a deeper NBA playoff run this season

Pacers are counting on continuity and motivation to make a deeper NBA playoff run this season

Indiana Pacers

Last season: 47-35, losing to Boston in the Eastern Conference finals.

COACH: Rick Carlisle (Ninth season with the Pacers, 24th overall, 943-828)

SEASON OPENING: October 23 in Detroit.

DEPARTURES: F Jalen Smith, G Doug McDermott.

ADDITIONS: C James Wiseman, F Johnny Furphy.

BetMGM Championship Betting Odds: 66-1.

What to expect

After a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Pacers decided to bring back all but two players. They gave All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam to a maximum contract, re-signed forward Obi Toppin and signed guards Andrew Nembhard and TJ McConnell to contract extensions. Now they believe they can make an even bigger breakthrough in 2024-25. But the Pacers must prove they won’t be overwhelmed in the increasingly competitive East, which now includes Karl-Anthony Towns and Paul George in addition to all of the conference’s perennial MVP candidates. All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton says Indiana will use these comments as motivation to prove that last season was no fluke and that these Pacers should be considered title contenders.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) goes for a layup during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. Photo credit: AP/Jason Allen

Strengths and weaknesses

The Good: Indiana certainly lived up to its nickname last season, playing at an IndyCar-like pace and challenging the league’s single-season scoring record. With another year in Carlisle’s system, they could be even better. Haliburton, last season’s NBA assist champion, returns this year with an Olympic gold medal and insight into the championship mindset, knowledge he will now share with his teammates. The return of high-scoring guard Bennedict Mathurin from a season-ending shoulder injury last March will only make this already good offense even better.

The not-so-good: The downside of their offensive style is, of course, evident in two main areas – goal defense and rebounding. The emergence of forward Aaron Nesmith as a defensive stopper certainly helped the Pacers improve and continue their progress last season. They’re also counting on Nesmith’s teammates to follow his example. Center Myles Turner has gained weight in hopes of becoming a more dominant rebounder in his potential walk season, and the Pacers signed Wiseman because they believe he can be the rebounder he was in 2022-23, and not like last season with Detroit.

Players to watch

Haliburton is one of the brightest young stars in the league and if he stays healthy, his ceiling is limitless. All-NBA forward Pascal Siakam should thrive in this system after transferring in January and spending a full offseason with this team. And Nembhard seems to be a perfect fit for Haliburton in the backcourt. Turner has been one of the league’s best shot blockers for years, but could hear rumors of a move again – if the Pacers struggle or it looks like Indiana won’t be able to re-sign him.