Over/Under: Indiana Pacers 2023-24

INDIANA PACERS: 38.5 WINS – OVER Key Additions Bruce Brown (free agent) Jarace Walker (draft) Obi Toppin (trade) Key…

INDIANA PACERS: 38.5 WINS – OVER

Key Additions

Bruce Brown (free agent)Jarace Walker (draft)Obi Toppin (trade)

Key Subtractions

Chris Duarte

Rotation

GuardsTyrese Haliburton, T.J. McConnell, Andrew NembhardWingsBennedict Mathurin, Buddy Hield, Bruce Brown, Aaron NesmithForwardsObi Toppin, Jarace WalkerBigsMyles Turner, Jalen Smith, Isaiah Jackson

Random thoughts, opinions, comments, declarations, queries, editorials, etc.

Seemingly becoming a national fan favorite overnight, the Pacers are everyone’s pick to either A) Make the play-in, and/or B) Lead the league pass rankings. Their front office drafted well and pivoted nicely from the Sabonis-Turner era to the Haliburton-Mathurin-Turner era. They refused to tank, and now find themselves in prime position to leapfrog a few teams in the East, specifically in that Knicks, Heat, Bulls, Hawks, & Nets tier. Carlisle is one of the best offensive minds in the league, and he’s got plenty of weapons to play with: athletes on the wings, Bigs who can shoot, and one of the best young PGs in the league in Tyrese “Oil Smooth” Haliburton. For the record, I had him 1st overall on my Draft Board from 2020. Unfortunately, the Warriors, Bulls, Cavs, Hawks, Pistons, Knicks, Wizards, & Suns didn’t.

Last Year – Interesting Stats:

35-47, 11th in the EastOpponents PPG: 119.5 – 29th in NBA4th in Pace117.7 Defensive Rating – 26th in NBATyrese Haliburton YoY 3P%: 40.9%, 41.4%, 40%Myles Turner averaged 18 ppg, 7.5 reb, 2.3 blocks on 55% FG%

Keys to Success:

Tyrese stays healthy, Benny Numbers keeps his FG% above 45%, Obi & Myles shoot 35%+ from 3, Bruce Brown proves he’s worth every penny

Potential Obstacles:

Tyrese gets banged up early & often, Obi loses minutes to Walker for defense, Benny Numbers trends more Jordan Clarkson than Anthony Edwards, Turner finds himself on the trade block yet again.

Hot takes:

Tyrese Haliburton’s nickname should be Oil SmoothBennedict Mathurin’s nickname should be Benny NumbersBuddy Hield is traded by the deadlineNesmith replaces Hield without breaking a sweatHaliburton makes his first all star gameSo does Myles Turner

STANDINGS PREDICTION: 8TH IN THE EAST