1. Tyrese Haliburton’s Health
Indiana Pacers vs. Toronto Raptors
The Indiana Pacers’ success, playoff seeding, and playoff run hinge significantly on the health of their two-time All-Star, Tyrese Haliburton. If Haliburton’s hamstring or back isn’t close to 100%, the Pacers’ chances of making a playoff run are slim. However, there are signs that he’s on the mend, as evidenced by his between-the-legs dunk in the skills competition. With Haliburton on the floor, Indiana has a record of 24-19.
2. Tyrese Haliburton’s Chemistry
Indiana Pacers vs. Toronto Raptors
Source:Getty
Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton have only played together for ten games since being traded to Indiana. Siakam is averaging 21.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in those ten games, and the Pacers have a record of 4-6. The chemistry between Siakam and the rest of the team is improving, and there are opportunities for the Pacers to utilize Siakam more effectively in pick-and-roll situations with Haliburton. Additionally, Siakam could be utilized as a facilitator or scorer by getting the ball on the block.
3. Bennedict Mathurin Consistency
Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks
With Buddy Hield being traded to Philadelphia at the deadline, there is a significant opportunity for Bennedict Mathurin to shine. His minutes are expected to increase to the high 20s or low 30s. However, the question remains whether he can be a consistent shooter. Mathurin has shown improvement in his shooting from last season, but without Hield, the driving lanes to the basket may not always be available. Mathurin has demonstrated in the Rising Stars game that he can create space off the dribble and knock down jump shots, but consistency will be key down the stretch, along with active defense.
4. Rick Carlisle’s Leash
Atlanta Hawks vs. Indiana Pacers
In recent weeks, the Pacers have dealt with injuries to key players like Tyrese Haliburton, Aaron Nesmith, Myles Turner, Jalen Smith, and Bennedict Mathurin. Andrew Nembhard also missed time early in the season with various injuries. As contending teams typically start to tighten their rotation to position themselves better in the standings, it raises questions about the playing time of bench players like T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin. The Pacers’ depth was a point of emphasis leading up to the season, but it may be time to prioritize getting the best players on the floor in a competitive Eastern Conference.
5. Playoff Picture
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Indiana currently sits sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing the Philadelphia 76ers by 2 games for 5th, the New York Knicks by 2.5 games for 4th, the Milwaukee Bucks by 4 games for 3rd, and the Cleveland Cavaliers by 6.5 games for 2nd. Out of these teams, the Pacers only have two games remaining against the Cavaliers. They also have a tough west coast road trip ahead with games against the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and LA Clippers. Finishing sixth or third in the standings could be crucial to avoiding a second-round matchup against the Boston Celtics.
6. Ben Sheppard’s Minutes
Indiana Pacers v Phoenix Suns
Ben Sheppard’s minutes have varied from game to game and week to week. In the final game before the All-Star break, he made a significant defensive play that helped secure a win for the Pacers. If Doug McDermott isn’t performing well, it could open up more minutes for Sheppard. Coach Rick Carlisle has stated that Sheppard has earned his minutes, and he has shown moments of hustle plays that energize the crowd. However, his three-point shooting percentage is currently at 28.8%.
7. Jalen Smith’s Health
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Hornets
Jalen Smith has been dealing with a back ailment over the last two weeks, which has caused him to miss several games. Smith is an important piece of the Pacers’ second unit, as he can help open up driving lanes for Mathurin with his shooting ability. Smith is having a career year in terms of field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and points per game. He has stated that he is feeling much better, but it remains to be seen if this issue will continue to affect him for the rest of the season.
8. Andrew Nembhard’s Aggressiveness
Phoenix Suns vs. Indiana Pacers
Andrew Nembhard had a slow start to the season due to kidney stones and a hyperextended knee. However, his efficiency as a shooter has improved recently, with a shooting percentage of 50% on all his shots and 41.2% from three in seven games this month. Nembhard’s success could help alleviate pressure off Haliburton to score and create, keeping Haliburton fresher for a playoff run.
9. Aaron Nesmith’s Health
Washington Wizards v Indiana Pacers
Aaron Nesmith has been dealing with ankle and shin injuries, which caused him to miss several games. Rick Carlisle has stated that these injuries shouldn’t impact Nesmith’s long-term availability, but there is no clarity on when he will return. Nesmith is a critical piece of the Pacers’ defense, and his absence has been felt, with the team giving up 123 points per game without him. Additionally, Nesmith is shooting 45.2% from deep, which is the sixth-best in the NBA.
10. Jarace Walker
Indiana Pacers v Utah Jazz
Jarace Walker, the 2023 eighth overall pick, has only played in 17 games this season, totaling 173 minutes. It is unusual for a top-ten pick to not consistently crack the rotation without being injured. However, there may be opportunities for Walker to get more playing time if other players are struggling.
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