Tony East here, the host of the daily Locked On Pacers podcast, with your daily Locked On Pacers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Pacers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Tyrese Haliburton’s injury and JaVale McGee headline Indiana Pacers rumors
Dec 31, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center JaVale McGee (6) fouls Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) in the second quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports|Trevor Ruszkowski/Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Indiana Pacers: Haliburton’s Health and Potential Moves
The Indiana Pacers are buzzing in the news, and there’s plenty to discuss. Tyrese Haliburton’s health has been a topic of conversation, with rumors swirling about a potential back issue affecting his performance. Despite these whispers, Haliburton has publicly denied any back problems. Observations from games suggest that while he might experience discomfort when hit, it hasn’t visibly impacted his play. His free throw rate has slightly increased, indicating he’s still driving to the basket effectively. The situation remains a point of interest, as managing any potential pain could be crucial for his continued success on the court.
JaVale McGee and the Pacers Center Position
The Pacers are also exploring options to bolster their center position, with JaVale McGee emerging as a rumored candidate. McGee’s previous experience with head coach Rick Carlisle during his time with the Dallas Mavericks adds an intriguing layer to this possibility. Although his stint with the Mavs was marred by injuries, McGee’s ability to play in transition and his defensive prowess make him a viable option for the Pacers. His recent performances with the Sacramento Kings demonstrate that he still possesses the athleticism and skill to play. The question remains whether McGee can maintain his level of play as he approaches 37, but his familiarity with Carlisle could be a deciding factor in any potential signing.
The Pacers current center rotation has been impacted by injuries, and the team is evaluating whether they need to bring in additional support. McGee’s ability to play fast and his experience with championship teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers make him an attractive option. However, the decision to sign him will depend on his current fitness and ability to fit into the Pacers style of play.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Indiana Pacers strategies and player updates, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
- Obi Toppin’s effectiveness at the center position
- Analysis of the Pacers upcoming game against the Charlotte Hornets
- Insights into the Pacers offensive and defensive strategies
- Discussion on potential trades and signings for the Pacers
The Nuggets did it (Nikola Jokic did it), the Warriors did it (the death lineup and defensive efficiency), the Celtics did it (switching one through five, pre-switching, neutralizing open lanes), and now the Thunder are doing it.
It’s been described as pestering, smothering, swarming, but I‘d like to put “car wash” into consideration. That’s the set up awaiting opponents. The car (the opposing team) gets locked into those self-driving tracks and the gauntlet begins. Lu Dort and Alex Caruso appear as those cylindrical spinning brushes, stripping the ball outright and early or else funnelling players into the next wave of guards. Pressure continues from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Williams but it becomes more targeted, thinking of the jet streams of water now being directed at the car from every angle — and those spinning whirlwinds of Caruso and Dort haven’t relented.
If, somehow, an opposing player finds a sliver of daylight in the so-small-its-micro-ball switching scheme the Thunder are playing, if they manage to get out from the many hands reaching in, pressuring, forcing turnovers, then they will meet Chet Holmgren at the rim. Holmgren is like those long, slapping shammy tentacles that come down on the hood, sides and roof of the car from every angle, though his reach and hands are much more expertly deployed. The Thunder have a defensive rating of 96.5 (for context the Warriors, at second best, seem light-years behind with a respectable 103.8) and lead the league in steals (13.4) and blocks (7.3). The cars are coming out spotless, utterly worked.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Watch Defense wins games? Here’s an insightful breakdown of OKC’s defensive schemes. (Thinking Basketball)
Must Read The Influence of Sedona Price: Take a fascinating look at the domino effect of NIL on college athletics, women’s sports, social media and athlete health. (The New Yorker)
Personnel Indiana Pacers’ guard Tyrese Haliburton’s slow start may be linked to a significant ailment, affecting his on-court performance. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview The Indiana Pacers face off against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center at 7pm ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Impact of Miles Bridges’ Injury
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) holds his knee after a collision at the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Spectrum Center.|Photo by Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
With only three games on Thursday, there was ample time to delve into the latest injury news and its implications for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Their Impact
Miles Bridges’ knee injury is a significant concern. After initially returning to play, he’s now sidelined for at least two weeks with a knee bone bruise. This situation opens up opportunities for other players. With Nick Richards and Mark Williams also out, Taj Gibson steps in as the starting centre. Grant Williams, who has been getting centre minutes, will likely shift to playing more at the four, alongside Tidjane Salaun. This reshuffling could push Williams into a more prominent role, making him a potential pick-up in 12-team leagues.
The absence of Bridges also means increased usage for Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. Tre Mann is another player to watch; holding onto him could be beneficial as the team adjusts to these injuries.
Ja Morant’s hamstring injury is another blow, with expectations of a two-week absence. Memphis’ injury reporting is notoriously vague, so fantasy managers should prepare for an extended period without Morant. Tyrese Maxey’s situation is similar, with the Sixers indicating a reevaluation in a week, but realistically, it could be longer. Kyle Lowry is a suitable replacement in the meantime.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pacers podcasts. Indiana Pacers rumors are hitting the news Does Tyrese Haliburton have a back injury? Is JaVale McGee a center they are looking at signing? Rumors are buzzing, and this episode breaks them down before talking about Obi Toppin being a more permanent center.
Pacers take down Orlando Magic to get to .500 Jarace Walker and Bennedict Mathrin carried the Pacers past the Magic on Wednesday, and the Pacers are now .500 again. Those two, as well as Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, secured a crucial win.
Assessing the Pacers play through two weeks The Pacers are two weeks into the 2024-25 season. What has stood out in both a positive and negative way? Ethan Krieger joins to chat Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, team struggles, and more.
