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.
How the Indiana Pacers could be impacted by their Paris trip
Mar 3, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) backs in against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports | Daniel Dunn/Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Pacers in Paris: A Global Opportunity Amidst NBA Season Challenges
The Indiana Pacers have embarked on a unique journey, taking their talents to Paris for a week-long excursion in the midst of the NBA regular season. This trip presents both opportunities and challenges for the team as they prepare to face the San Antonio Spurs in two neutral-site games that could have significant implications for their season.
From a brand perspective, this Paris trip is a golden opportunity for the Pacers to expand their global footprint. With fans from 53 countries purchasing tickets to the game, the organization has a chance to showcase their exciting brand of basketball to an international audience. The presence of rising star Tyrese Haliburton, who will be making his second appearance in Paris in just six months, could help cultivate a new fanbase across the Atlantic.
However, the trip isn’t without its potential pitfalls. The team must navigate the physical challenges of jet lag and disrupted routines, which could impact their performance both in Paris and upon their return to the States. The condensed schedule resulting from this mid-season break will also test the team’s resilience in the coming weeks.
The Pacers ability to maintain their momentum will be crucial. Having won eight of their last nine games, the team was hitting its stride before the Paris trip. The extended break could either serve as a much-needed rest or disrupt their rhythm. How they respond in these neutral-site games and in the following weeks will be telling.
From a player perspective, this trip offers unique bonding opportunities. The entire team, including two-way players, is touring Paris landmarks and participating in fashion events. Myles Turner, in particular, seems to be embracing the experience, donning a different beret each day and adding Paris to his list of international destinations with the Pacers, which already includes London and India.
While the challenges are real, the potential benefits of this trip extend beyond just basketball. The cultural experience and team bonding could prove invaluable as the Pacers push for a playoff spot in the competitive Eastern Conference.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Pacers Paris adventure, tune into the Locked On Pacers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Pacers Podcast:
• The unique challenge presented by Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs
• How the Pacers schedule looks after returning from Paris
• The potential impact of the trip on practice time and player recovery
Nov 27, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Listen, it might not happen. LaMelo Ball currently leads the Eastern backcourt by a billion fan votes, giving him a substantial leg up in the race to be an All-Star starter. But that’s only half the accounting. He’ll have to do better than last year’s seventh-place voting among both media and players to snag himself a spot as a starter, or else his selection falls to the mercy of coaches who have historically valued winning.
But Ball undoubtedly is better than he was last year, or the year before, or even the year before that, when he did make the All-Star game as a reserve in just his second season. Health is a major reason; Ball played just 58 games in those two non-All-Star seasons, and he’s played half that many this year alone.
Is better enough? The progression isn’t linear; Ball has skipped into a whole new chart entirely, leaving behind the constraints of a two-dimensional line graph for a multi-dimensional view. That can confuse people, and confusion breeds distrust. He inspires a special dislike in people who consider themselves real basketball fans. They take the game Seriously and expect Ball to do the same.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Must Read Mike Shearer of Basketball Poetry takes a look at who actually deserves to be in the 24-man All-Star game based on their season to this point.
Analysis An often overlooked aspect of the Pacers’ recent turnaround indicates they are poised for further success, with strategic changes and player development playing crucial roles. Pacers’ turnaround. (8 Points, 9 Seconds)
Ranking The midseason report card grades for NBA teams evaluate the Indiana Pacers’ performance, providing insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. Check out the midseason report card. (Bleacher Report)
Preview The Spurs face the Pacers in Indiana at 7:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Fantasy Basketball Thursday Preview: Injury Updates, Streaming Options, and Key Matchups
Jan 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) walks off the court after greeting court-side friends following the victory over the San Antonio Spurs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol/Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The NBA slate for Thursday features nine games, including an early start in Paris between the Spurs and Pacers. As we look ahead to the action, there are several key injury updates and streaming options to consider.
In the Spurs-Pacers matchup, Jeremy Sochan is the only player currently on the injury report, with indications he may return. For the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith’s recent return impacts the minutes distribution for players like Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell. Keep an eye on Stephon Castle as a potential streaming option for the Spurs.
The Blazers-Magic game has a lengthy injury list. For Portland, Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons are questionable, while Matisse Thybulle is out. On the Magic side, Jalen Suggs is out, Goga Bitadze is doubtful, and Franz Wagner is questionable to return. This game presents numerous streaming opportunities, with Robert Williams and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as intriguing options.
Jimmy Butler Suspended
In an unsurprising turn of events, Jimmy Butler has been suspended for two games for missing a team flight. This situation continues to be frustrating for the Miami Heat and fantasy managers alike. With Butler out, look for increased opportunities for players like Caleb Martin and Nikola Jović.
Injury Updates and Streaming Options
As we approach Thursday’s games, it’s crucial to stay updated on injury reports and be prepared for early lineup locks, especially with the Paris game starting at 2 PM Eastern.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Thursday’s NBA action, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
3peat (ICYMI)
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! What does this trip mean for the team, and how could it impact their season? Dustin Dopirak joins to talk about exactly that and how the Pacers and Spurs match up.
Pacers trios and more interivews The Indiana Pacers best and worst trios by net rating are very revealing. What groups have been good and bad? Plus, Tony East interviews Quenton Jackson and Dakota Mathias.
Assessing the first half of the Pacers season Indiana is halfway through their 2024-25 NBA season. What defined their first half, and in particular their turnaround? Sideline reporter Jeremiah Johnson joins to break it down.
