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.
Answering Pacers questions, including trades, from listeners
Jan 14, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates while Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant (3) expresses frustration Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, during an NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers, 127-117. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | Grace Smith/Grace Smith/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Mailbag! Pacers Recent Surge: A Deep Dive into Their Improved Performance
The Indiana Pacers have been on a tear lately, and it’s time to take a closer look at what’s behind their recent success. As the fanbase approaches the midpoint of the season, the team’s performance has taken a significant upturn, particularly since their game against the Chicago Bulls on December 6th.
One of the most striking aspects of the Pacers recent play has been their ability to secure double-digit wins consistently. In fact, all of their victories in January have been by 10 points or more. This is a marked improvement from earlier in the season when close games were the norm.
What’s driving this change? The answer lies in the team’s improved defensive performance. While the Pacers have always been known for their high-octane offense, their defense has often lagged behind. However, in their last 15 games, they’ve ranked 8th in offense and an impressive 6th in defense. This two-way efficiency is a hallmark of contending teams and bodes well for the Pacers playoff aspirations.
The Impact of Young Players and Roster Depth when comparing team peaks
The Pacers success isn’t just about statistics; it’s also about the growth of their young core. Players like Andrew Nembhad have taken significant steps forward, elevating their game and contributing to the team’s overall improvement. The addition of Pascal Siakam has also been a game-changer, providing the team with another versatile scoring option and defensive presence.
However, this success has created a new challenge: managing a deep roster. With 11 players deserving of significant minutes, coach Rick Carlisle faces the enviable but tricky task of balancing playing time. This depth could be a significant advantage as the season progresses, especially if the team can maintain its health.
Looking Ahead: Trade Deadline Considerations
As the Pacers approach the trade deadline, questions naturally arise about potential moves. While the team’s current success might suggest a “stand pat” approach, the front office will undoubtedly be exploring options to consolidate talent or address any remaining weaknesses.
Players like Myles Turner, Bennedict Mathurin, and James Wiseman could be part of trade discussions, but any moves would likely be aimed at further enhancing the team’s strengths rather than a major overhaul.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers recent performance and future prospects, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
• The impact of the upcoming Paris trip on the team’s practice schedule
• A look back at significant in-season trades in Pacers history
• Discussion on Bennedict Mathurin’s fit with the starting lineup and future with the team
Jan 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) directs the offense as he is defended by Brooklyn Nets forward Tosan Evbuomwan (12) and guard D’Angelo Russell (1) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
We’re halfway through the NBA season and I’ve seen many of the same points on midseason reports lists. The Sixers being this bad, the Pistons being this good, Russell Westbrook finding such a great fit alongside Nikola Jokic and with the Nuggets — at some point, if we all have the same observations, then we’re not really paying attention.
Not to lean too hard on my own horn, but I thought all these things were going to happen before the season got underway (granted, it does feel excellent that being a perennial Westbrook supporter is paying off). Let’s look instead at some surprises past the surface level of competition this season, into developments and/or plot twists that look like they’ll have a ripple effect beyond the conclusion of this NBA calendar year. We’ll start with two today and get into some others tomorrow.
Leveraging the future for an immediate star
The Suns and Sixers are the obvious examples, but the Warriors, Lakers, Mavericks and Wolves have done this via inaction and slow erosion.
For the Mavs, this season feels like an existential hiccup. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving settling, seemingly well, into a working routine last season and Dallas was a contender in the West. Where the Mavs have slipped to — injuries aside — does seem to be, in part, in working Klay Thompson into the fold. Thompson has struggled at times to find his shot and his place on the floor, he plays at a pace a lot different than either Doncic or Irving do — his previous, forever point guard in Steph Curry was never as frenetic.
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
Trades Jimmy Butler returns to the Heat, says “whole truth will come out” about what’s transpired in Miami (CBS Sports)
Analysis Cooper Flagg, the heralded pick of this year’s NBA Draft, puts exclamation point on his status (The Athletic)
Biz OKC Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault named All-Star coach (ESPN)
Ranking The Indiana Pacers are making waves as they approach elite status in the latest NBA power rankings, reflecting their strong performance and potential as a top-tier team. (8 Points, 9 Seconds)
Rumor One major suitor has reportedly dropped out of the race for the Pacers’ key trade target, narrowing the field for potential trade negotiations. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Cam Johnson’s potential move to the Pacers is generating buzz, with Indiana among the suitors alongside the Kings and others, as highlighted in recent NBA trade rumors. (Bleacher Report)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Waiver Wire Wonders: Must-Add Players and Surprising Trends in Fantasy Basketball
Jan 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) over Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
As we dive into the latest fantasy basketball waiver wire trends, some surprising names have emerged as the most added players across various platforms.
Stephon Castle is another intriguing name gaining traction. With Jeremy Sochan sidelined, Castle has seen increased opportunities and has capitalized on them. However, I’m skeptical about his long-term value once the Spurs return to full strength.
Wendell Carter Jr. is an interesting case, as his role could expand with Goga Bitadze out. There’s a good chance Carter retains the starting spot even when Bitadze returns, making him a solid speculative add in deeper leagues.
Nick Richards’ Phoenix Suns’ debut was impressive, so grab him if available, but we should also be on the lookout for an efficiency drop.
Hot Players to Watch
Drew Eubanks has emerged as a surprise contributor, ranking as the 61st best player over the past week. While his value is tied to injuries ahead of him, he’s worth monitoring in case his role expands.
Kel’el Ware is a name to keep an eye on, especially if the Heat continue to play him alongside Bam Adebayo. This lineup change could unlock significant fantasy value for the young big man.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the latest fantasy basketball trends, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Pacers podcasts. Pacers mailbag with the team in Paris The Pacers are in Paris, which is the perfect time to answer your questions. Trades, the future of Mathurin and Turner, rotations, and the best NBA arenas are discussed.
Another nice win for the Pacers The Indiana Pacers beat the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, and while it wasn’t pretty, it was a win against a team that beat a worse version of the Pacers earlier this season. The defense and bench were great for Indiana.
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.
