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For the Pacers, the Only Consistency Is Inconsistency

By William Furr

Mar 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) dribbles past Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) in the second quarter of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (3) dribbles past Brooklyn Nets guard Deron Williams (8) in the second quarter of the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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After an exciting seven-game winning streak, the Indiana Pacers reminded us all that they’re still a team missing their best player to injury (Paul George) and using multiple mid-level guys to try to compensate for the loss of a potential all star (Lance Stephenson) in free agency.

The Pacers coated the week in L’s, losing to the Raptors, Bulls, Cavaliers, and Nets in a row, and failing to remain competitive in three of the four contests.

There is, however, just as much to observe from losses as there is from wins, so let’s take a look at what we learned about the Pacers in week 21.

The Indiana Pacers Bench We Know and Love has Returned

Wait, did I say “know and love”? I meant “know and abhor,” my apologies.

The bench, just weeks after being identified as a surprising strength by sportswriters all over the internet (this one included), has returned to their usual (lack of) form.

Rodney Stuckey, a man who has been so hot from the field that spontaneous combustion was a legitimate concern, shot 36.6% from the field, 14.3% from behind the arc, and was -24 for the week; he shot 24% against the Bulls/Cavs/Nets, after being relatively efficient against the Raptors.

C.J. Watson was -41 for the week, and shot 30% from the field and 25% from deep.

Luis Scola remembered his age and posted a -17 for the week, despite a solid performance against Cleveland and good shooting (55.2% for the week).

The bench, at least for last week, was a sieve, hemorrhaging backbreaking runs to quality opponents while generally being unable to get out of their own way. If this bench has returned for good, the Pacers might need need to worry about playoff seeding — because they probably won’t make it at all.

Paul George Is Coming Back

Except maybe he’s not. But he definitely is. Unless he isn’t, that is. Confused yet? Don’t worry; we all are.

The bottom line is that no one outside of Frank Vogel, Paul George, his doctor, and maaaaaaybe the front office know when/if PG’s returning.

The latest rumor is that it could be this week and Larry Bird thinks he will return this year, but there’s absolutely no way of knowing for sure. The safest bet is to not attempt to figure it out; sit back, relax, and let PG return on his own schedule, when he’s comfortable.

If that’s sometime this year, fantastic; he’ll get the opportunity to work some of the rust off before looking ahead to next year. If it’s not this year, fantastic; he’ll get the opportunity to feel fully comfortable with his leg before he ever puts it in a high leverage situation like an NBA game.

Get well, PG — on your schedule.

C.J. Miles Is on a Cold Streak

C.J. Miles, in his first year with the Blue and Gold, has seen some ups and downs. He was historically, tragically bad to start the year, sporting a negative PER (Player Efficiency Rating) at one point; he’s also scored 30+ points off the bench on multiple occasions, and hit some clutch 3’s for a team in need of his shooting.

It’s fair to say that Miles has been a streaky shooter for the Pacers this year, and this most recent week wasn’t one of his best.

Despite a hot 4-of-8 from deep performance against the Nets, Miles shot 37.2% for the week, shooting below 50% in every game, and sported a paltry 29.6% average from deep. Miles brings more to the team than just shooting; he’s a capable but not excellent defender, and occasionally he throws down a dunk that makes you remember how athletic he actually is, but his primary purpose is to space the floor for this shooting starved unit, and 30% is not going to cut it.

It is fair to note that both Miles and Rodney Stuckey have fared significantly better off the bench; that’s great, but even when PG returns, it’s very likely one of them will be starting at the 2 next to him, and the Pacers will need them to produce.

The Indiana Pacers Week Ahead

Games: vs Houston (3/23), at Washington (3/25), at Milwaukee (3/26)

Prediction: The Indiana Pacers go 2-1, fearing the Beard, but not the Beal or the Deer (L vs Houston, Ws at Washington and Milwaukee)

Last Week’s Prediction Results: 2-2

Season Long Prediction Results:  41-25

What to Watch For: Roy Hibbert, riding a bonafide hot streak: 16.3 PPG on 50% shooting last week… IUPUI Mode George Hill, for better or worse, until (with a) contract expiration does he part… Solomon Hill, 13 games away from being the only Indiana Pacer to play all 82 games this year… The Pacers carrying 8 players averaging between 8.2 and 15.1 PPG (and another, A.J. Price, no longer with the team)… David West, struggling mightily from the field (35% last week), and looking tentative with the ball; the 17-foot assassin passing up open 17 footers is a troubling sight indeed… Rodney Stuckey, dealing with a calf injury for a squad that just can’t stay healthy…

Next: LeBron James: The 10 Greatest Coaches in Pacers History

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