2024-25 NBA Season Previews: Indiana Pacers

2024-25 NBA Season Previews: Indiana Pacers

The NBA season is here, and up next in our NBA team previews is the Indiana Pacers. Without further ado let’s have a look at what to expect from a team trying to win their first NBA title. 

What happened last year?

The 2023-24 NBA season for the Indiana Pacers was a rather successful one. They finished 47-35 which was good for sixth in the Eastern Conference and third in the Central Division. The season really turned around following a trade for Pascal Siakam. After acquiring Siakam from the Toronto Raptors, the Pacers went 23-18 and found their way into the Eastern Conference Final. After beating Milwaukee in six games they went on to edge out the New York Knicks in a feisty seven-game series. Unfortunately for them, they ran into the Boston Celtics who swept Indiana on their way to another NBA title. 

Offseason Recap

While the Pacers drafted three players in the second round including two-time NCAA Champion and 2024 Bob Cousy Award winner Tristen Newton of UConn, the majority of offseason moves revolved around re-signing and extending current players. Siakam was the big one. The nine-year vet signed a four-year max extension worth $189.5m. Indiana also re-signed Obi Toppin to a four-year $60m contract.

Projected Starting 5

PG: Tyrese Haliburton – The 24-year-old guard has molded into the face of the Indiana Pacers over the last two seasons. Haliburton is now a two-time All-Star and was named to his first All-NBA team last year. While he can score, his biggest impact comes on the passing side of things. He led the NBA in assists per game with 10.9 a year ago and could very well boost that number with a full season alongside Siakam. 

SG: Andrew Nembhard – Nembhard played a slightly lesser role last season going from 63 starts in his rookie season to just 47 in 2023-24. Expect him to stretch the floor and improve on his 35.7 3-point percentage.

SF: Aaron Nesmith – Nesmith fit into the role that Buddy Hield used to fit before he was traded away last season. In 72 games for the Pacers last year, Nesmith shot 41.9% from the three-point line. His sharpshooting could allow for more space down low for the other starters to operate. 

PF: Pascal Siakam – Siakam was a star in Toronto and did not look to miss a beat once joining the Pacers. In his 41 games, he led the team with 21.3 ppg and 7.8 reb. It will be down the stretch that Siakam’s impact could be noticed. He had multiple games with more than 30 points in the playoffs last season. He also seems to be a perfect second star alongside Haliburton. If the 41 games last year are any sign then this could be a career year for the New Mexico State product.

C: Myles Turner – Offensively Turner is nothing too special. However, on the defensive end is where his impact will be on display. Twice he has led the NBA in blocks and averaged just under two blocks per game last year. It would not surprise me at all if his offensive stats improve slightly with two dangerous players alongside him. 

Notable Reserves

G: T.J. McConnell – McConnell has been a career bench player but does it very well. He averaged a career-best 10.2ppg last season while having the second most assists on the Indiana Pacers with 5.5. Look for him to keep leading the second unit when Haliburton is off the court.

G: Bennedict Mathurin – Last season Mathurin really looked to find his groove. Unfortunately for him and the Pacers, he suffered a season-ending injury that required shoulder surgery. He is back and looked good during preseason with a 25-point performance against Cleveland being the standout.

F: Obi Toppin – This will be Toppin’s second year in Indiana and after re-signing he will be looking to make good on his new deal. Toppin is a stretch four that knocked down 40.3% of his shots from behind the arc. Last season was a career year for him so expect similar numbers this season. 

Biggest X-Factor: Will Bennedict Mathurin take the next step?

Last year, I expected Mathurin to make a move towards becoming a starter. He was looking very good before his injury. If he bounces back then he could very well be another dangerous piece on an already deep roster. He averaged 14.5ppg off the bench and could improve that significantly considering he played just 59 games last season. My challenge for Mathurin is to upgrade to a starter before the All-Star break which seems very possible. 

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Season Projection

In the first full year of Siakam and Haliburton, expectations are rather high in Indiana. I have the Indiana Pacers improving on their 47 wins last year to finish the season right around the 50-win mark. I think, they will make a run in the playoffs but are still a year away from threatening for the Eastern Conference title. 

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