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.
Aaron Nesmith is back as Myles Turner guides the Indiana Pacers
Jan 16, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) is defended by Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski/Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Myles Turner’s Sharpshooting and Nembhard’s Defense Lead Pacers to Victory Over Pistons
The Indiana Pacers secured a crucial win against the Detroit Pistons thanks in large part to the outstanding performances of Myles Turner and Andrew Nembhard. Turner’s exceptional shooting from beyond the arc and Nembhard’s lockdown defense on Cade Cunningham were the key factors that propelled the Pacers to victory.
Turner’s impact was felt throughout the game as he knocked down eight three-pointers, forcing the Pistons to adjust their defensive strategy. His ability to stretch the floor created opportunities for teammates like Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton to attack the rim. Turner finished with 28 points on 16 shots, showcasing his efficiency and importance to the team’s offensive success.
On the defensive end, Nembhard’s performance was equally impressive. He was tasked with guarding Cunningham, one of the league’s rising stars, and did an exceptional job limiting his effectiveness. Cunningham struggled, shooting just 33.3% from the field and committing seven turnovers. This was Cunningham’s second-worst shooting performance of the season, a testament to Nembhard’s defensive prowess.
The Pacers coaching staff made a strategic decision to match Nembhard’s minutes with Cunningham’s, highlighting the importance of this defensive assignment. Nembhard’s ability to stay connected through screens and disrupt Cunningham’s rhythm was crucial in slowing down the Pistons offense.
Aaron Nesmith’s Return
In a significant development for the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith made his return to the lineup after missing 35 games due to injury. Nesmith’s impact was immediately felt as he started the game and contributed on both ends of the floor. His ability to space the floor and provide solid defense made him a seamless fit with the starting unit.
Nesmith’s return adds depth and versatility to the Pacers rotation, giving coach Rick Carlisle more options as the team pushes for a playoff spot. His performance in limited minutes was encouraging, and it will be interesting to see how his role evolves as he gets back into game shape.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers victory over the Pistons, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
• Tyrese Haliburton’s return from injury
• Pascal Siakam’s strong first-half performance
• The Pacers bench production and its impact on the game
Jan 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives for a shot past Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the rest of the NBA season could just be various instances spent listening to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander go WOOOO to varying decibels and degrees of excitement? It would be, to borrow from a master gone too soon, Lynchian.
If not that, then to watch the Thunder and Cavaliers play each other, over and over, until April 13th. I suspect we still wouldn’t have our fill of these two teams but don’t fret, we’d have a riveting seven game series. Each game a competitive and tight feast for the eyes.
To really get an understanding of how, though relentless pressuring and seamless switching, the Thunder have run away with the first overall defensive rating. That even against a team like Cleveland who pride themselves on the way they’re able to take care of the ball, and their communication skills, OKC can pluck the ball out of the hands of an opponent on a fastbreak, a drive, as if they were walking right up to a kid and taking candy from their hands.
Of course, this all makes it sound like watching these two teams in perpetuity is going to look heavily lopsided for the Thunder. The matchup last night was a wallop for the West, for sure, but Cleveland showed why they’ve been coolly leading the East and the entire league. Rainbow threes from Mitchell, light lobs over the heads of every Thunder player — just then upturned to watch — between Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, and fadeaway shots from the corner care of Max Strus.
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.
Rumor The Indiana Pacers must avoid a franchise-altering mistake at the trade deadline, as speculated deals could significantly impact the team’s future dynamics. (8 Points 9 Seconds)
Injury Aaron Nesmith has been given the green light to return from injury against the Pistons, marking a crucial comeback for the Pacers. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Pacer-related updates include an Aaron Nesmith injury update, trade predictions, and viral moments involving Obi Toppin. (Sports Illustrated)
Ranking The Pacers are featured in the latest NBA power rankings, reflecting their current standing and performance metrics. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball News Roundup: The Tanking In Utah
Jan 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale/Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers are taking tanking to a whole new level. The Jazz have been sitting players like John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler for various reasons. While I understand the incentives for tanking, the odds of getting the number one pick are not high. The NBA has been cracking down on teams resting healthy players, but these two franchises seem to be pushing the boundaries.
As a fantasy analyst, I’ve been advising people to avoid high picks from these teams due to the risk of shutdowns and reduced playing time. It’s frustrating to see this level of blatant tanking, especially when it impacts fantasy basketball managers.
The Memphis Grizzlies are another team to watch, with Ja Morant constantly appearing on the injury report. While they’re not tanking like Utah and Portland, Morant’s frequent injuries are concerning for fantasy managers.
In other news, Donte DiVincenzo is out with a toe sprain for the Knicks, which could lead to increased minutes for Mike Conley. However, I wouldn’t rush to add Conley in most leagues.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pacers podcasts. Nesmith is back and the Pacers win again Indiana earned their fifth road win a row and took down the pesky Detroit Pistons on Thursday. It was a nice victory for the Pacers, who played a solid defensive game thanks to Andrew Nembhard and a decent offense game behind Myles Turner. Plus, Aaron Nesmith is back.
Pacers have many trade deadline considerations The Pacers are three weeks away from the trade deadline, and Rhett Bauer joins Tony East to break it down. Myles Turner, the team’s financial situation, and James Wiseman will be dominant topics going forward.
The latest on Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell The Indiana Pacers have have some point guard issues right now as Tyrese Haliburton is injured and T.J. McConnell is struggling. What does it mean and what can the Pacers do about it?
