With a revamped roster and a new strategic approach, the Indiana Pacers are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming NBA season. Will they exceed expectations or fall short? Let’s look into the Pacers playoff chances and their season-long props heading into the 2023-24 season.
Pacers Playoff Chances
Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Pacers playoff chances are 45% according to the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Odds to make playoffs: +120
- Percent to make playoffs: 45%
Pacers Season-Long Props & Futures
- NBA Champion: +30000
- Conference Winner: +13000
- Division Winner: +4000
- Regular season wins: 38.5
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2022-23 Season Recap
The 2022-23 season was a challenging one for the Indiana Pacers. Despite showcasing a blend of young talent and veteran leadership, the team fell short of making a significant impact in the league. With a 34-47 record, they missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season, finishing 3rd in the Central Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference.
The Pacers’ performance last season was characterized by inconsistency. They had an average points per game of 116.3, but their defense struggled, allowing opponents to score an average of 122.3 points per game. This imbalance between offense and defense was a significant factor in their underwhelming season.
One of the bright spots of the Pacers’ 2022-23 season was the emergence of All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton. In his second season with the Pacers, Haliburton averaged 20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game, showcasing his potential as a franchise cornerstone. His performance was a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing season for the Pacers.
Another notable player was Bennedict Mathurin, who had a strong rookie season. Mathurin averaged 15.3 points per game and showed flashes of his potential as a future star. His development will be crucial for the Pacers moving forward.
However, despite the individual performances, the Pacers struggled as a team. They were unable to string together consistent wins and often found themselves on the losing end of close games. This lack of consistency and inability to close out games ultimately led to their subpar record.
The 2022-23 season was a tough one for the Pacers. Despite the promising performances from their young stars, they were unable to translate individual success into team success. As they look ahead to the 2023-24 season, the Pacers will need to address their defensive issues and find a way to turn their potential into consistent performances on the court.
Offseason Changes and Impact
The Indiana Pacers made several significant changes during the offseason, aiming to improve their roster and address the issues that plagued them in the 2022-23 season. The most notable addition was Bruce Brown Jr., a key player in the Denver Nuggets’ championship run, who was signed to a two-year contract worth $45 million. Brown’s championship experience and defensive prowess will be a valuable asset to the Pacers, potentially improving their defensive struggles from last season.
Another significant acquisition was Obi Toppin, who was traded from the New York Knicks. Toppin, a former first-round pick, adds athleticism and scoring ability to the Pacers’ frontcourt. His addition, along with the development of second-year players Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker, could provide the Pacers with a more dynamic and versatile offense.
The Pacers also made changes to their coaching staff, with Rick Carlisle taking over as head coach. Carlisle, a veteran coach with a championship pedigree, is expected to bring a more strategic and disciplined approach to the team. His experience and tactical acumen could be crucial in helping the Pacers improve their consistency and close out games more effectively.
In terms of departures, the Pacers traded Buddy Hield, who had been a key scorer for the team. While Hield’s scoring will be missed, the emergence of Mathurin and the addition of Brown and Toppin should help fill the void.
Overall, the Pacers’ offseason moves seem to be aimed at addressing their defensive issues, improving their offensive versatility, and instilling a more strategic and disciplined approach. While it remains to be seen how these changes will translate on the court, there is a sense of optimism that the Pacers could exceed expectations in the 2023-24 season.
2023-24 Season Preview
As we look ahead to the 2023-24 NBA season, the Indiana Pacers are poised to make a significant leap. With a revamped roster and a new strategic approach under head coach Rick Carlisle, the Pacers are expected to be a more competitive and cohesive unit.
The Pacers’ success in the upcoming season will largely hinge on the continued development of their young stars, Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. Haliburton, who averaged 20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game last season, is expected to take on an even larger role as the team’s primary playmaker. His ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates will be crucial for the Pacers’ offensive efficiency.
Mathurin, on the other hand, will look to build on a promising rookie season. His scoring ability and athleticism add a dynamic element to the Pacers’ offense. If he can take another step forward in his development, the Pacers could have one of the most exciting young duos in the league.
The addition of Bruce Brown Jr. and Obi Toppin also adds depth and versatility to the Pacers’ roster. Brown’s championship experience and defensive prowess will be invaluable, particularly in addressing the Pacers’ defensive struggles from last season. Toppin, meanwhile, provides athleticism and scoring ability in the frontcourt, potentially adding another dimension to the Pacers’ offense.
However, the Pacers will also need to improve their consistency and ability to close out games, areas where they struggled last season. This is where the influence of coach Carlisle could be pivotal. His strategic acumen and emphasis on discipline could help the Pacers become a more consistent and resilient team.
In terms of the Central Division, the Pacers will face stiff competition from the likes of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, if the Pacers can harness their potential and translate it into consistent performances on the court, they could surprise many and emerge as a dark horse in the division.
Overall, the 2023-24 season presents an exciting opportunity for the Indiana Pacers. With a blend of young talent, strategic changes, and new additions, the Pacers have the potential to exceed expectations and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
Key Players to Watch
As we look ahead to the 2023-24 NBA season, there are several key players on the Indiana Pacers roster that could significantly impact the team’s performance.
- Tyrese Haliburton: The All-Star guard is undoubtedly the cornerstone of the Pacers. Last season, Haliburton averaged 20.7 points and 10.4 assists per game, showcasing his potential as a franchise player. His development and performance this season will be crucial for the Pacers’ success. Haliburton’s ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates will be a key factor in the Pacers’ offensive efficiency.
- Bennedict Mathurin: After a promising rookie season, Mathurin is expected to take another step forward in his development. His scoring ability and athleticism add a dynamic element to the Pacers’ offense. If Mathurin can continue to improve and build on his rookie season, he could emerge as one of the league’s most exciting young players.
- Bruce Brown Jr.: The Pacers’ key offseason acquisition brings championship experience and defensive prowess to the team. Brown’s defensive skills will be invaluable in addressing the Pacers’ defensive struggles from last season. Additionally, his experience in high-pressure games could prove crucial in helping the Pacers improve their consistency and ability to close out games.
- Obi Toppin: Acquired from the New York Knicks, Toppin adds athleticism and scoring ability to the Pacers’ frontcourt. His addition could provide the Pacers with a more dynamic and versatile offense. Toppin’s performance in his first season with the Pacers will be an interesting storyline to follow.
- Myles Turner: The veteran center remains a key figure for the Pacers. Turner’s shot-blocking ability provides a strong defensive presence for the Pacers. His performance will be crucial in improving the Pacers’ defensive efficiency.
These players will undoubtedly play a significant role in the Pacers’ 2023-24 season. Their performances could determine whether the Pacers exceed expectations and make a significant impact in the upcoming season.