Pacers Trio Analysis: Unveiling the Best and Worst Lineup Combinations
As the Indiana Pacers season pauses, it’s fascinating to explore the team’s most effective trios and how they impact the game. The starting five has been exceptional, with various combinations of Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Tyrese Haliburton, and Myles Turner dominating the top spots in net rating.
The best trio this season has been Siakam, Nembhard, and Mathurin, boasting an impressive 116 offensive rating and 98 defensive rating. This combination has been particularly potent since Nembhard’s return in December, solidifying the Pacers starting lineup as a force to be reckoned with.
Interestingly, the top-performing bench trio consists of T.J. McConnell, Thomas Bryant, and Ben Sheppard. Their success can be attributed to their clearly defined roles and high-energy play style, which has proven effective in limited minutes.
Surprising Struggles
While the starting lineup has thrived, some unexpected challenges have emerged. The pairing of McConnell and Haliburton, traditionally a strong duo, has struggled this season. Despite a stellar offensive rating of 122.9, their defensive woes have resulted in a negative net rating. This is a stark contrast to last season when the McConnell-Haliburton combination was one of the team’s most potent weapons.
Another area of concern is rookie Jarace Walker’s impact on various lineups. While Walker has shown improvement lately, his presence in several of the team’s worst-performing trios highlights the challenges of integrating a young player into the rotation.
Looking Ahead
As the Pacers continue to fine-tune their rotations, keep an eye on how Coach Rick Carlisle manages the McConnell-Haliburton pairing and Walker’s minutes. With Aaron Nesmith’s impending return, there may be further adjustments to the lineup in the coming weeks.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers lineup analysis, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
• Two-way player updates: Quentin Jackson and Myles Turner’s G League performances
• Interview with Dakota Matthias, standout unaffiliated player for the Mad Ants
• Preview of upcoming Pacers in Paris coverage
