The Indiana Pacers had a much needed 4 game home stretch. They went 1-3 overall during this period and their season totals are now 1-7 and are 5th in the Central Division. Our first win of the season came against a strong Stephen Curry led Golden State team. The Pacers are still plagued with injuries and are playing with a depleted roster, they were actually given not one but two player hardship acquisitions.
4 Game Home Stretch Notes:
- Oct. 31st vs. Hawks: This game was the first for the NBA Cup standings and the Pacers debuted their new City Edition uniforms and floor. Even with strong performances from Pascal Siakam 18pts and Jarace Walker 17pts the Pacers still lost 128-108 to a Trae Young less Hawks team.
- Nov. 1st vs. Warriors: The Pacers secured their first win of the season with a 114-109 score. Quenton Jackson had a double-double with 25pts and 10ast. Also leading the way was Aaron Nesmith with 31pts (5 threes) and Pascal Siakam contributed 27pts.
- Nov. 3rd vs. Bucks: This was the return of former Pacer Myles Turner to Indianapolis. He was given a tribute video but was booed the entire night by the Pacer fans. This was also a break out game for our new center Isaiah Jackson with a double-double 21pts-10reb. The Pacers battled the Bucks toe to toe but a buzzer-beating shot by Giannis Antetokounmpo gave the Bucks a narrow 117-115 victory.
- Nov. 5th vs. Nets: The then winless Nets, also struggling with injuries, defeated the depleted (8 players on injured list) Pacers 112-103, despite Pascal Siakam’s double-double 23pts and 10ast. The Pacers also got a glimmer of hope with a strong bench performance from center Jay Huff with 16pts and 4 of 9 from the 3pt line.
Next Up:
- Four game western road trip: Denver, Golden State, Utah and Phoenix
Injury Troubles: In addition to Haliburton’s long-term absence for the season, the Pacers have faced other major significant injuries:
- Bennedict Mathurin: Toe sprain – starting to practice GTD for road trip.
- Andrew Nembhard: Injured shoulder in first game time line TBD.
- Obi Toppin: Had foot surgery and likely to be out until February
- T.J. Mconnell: Hamstring and will be out a least a month.
- John Furphy: Severe ankle sprain and will be out the upcoming road trip.
- Quenton Jackson: Hamstring will be out several games.
Player Transactions:
- Team waived/cut newly signed guard Mac McClung and signed veteran guard Monte Morris to take his place.
- Signed F Codey Martin to 10-day contract.
- Signed F Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
