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Indiana Pacers Creeping Towards Top 10 in Power Rankings

By Ben Gibson

Dec 28, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers mascot Boomer dunks the ball performing during a time out in a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Atlanta 93-87. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers mascot Boomer dunks the ball performing during a time out in a game against the Atlanta Hawks at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana defeats Atlanta 93-87. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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The All-Star Break is now over but the Indiana Pacers still have plenty of work to do if they want to move back into the NBA’s top 10.

So what team will the Indiana Pacers be coming out of the All-Star Break? Will they be the late-game losing, struggling to finish version of themselves we’ve seen more recently? Or will they tap into the type of things that were working for them in November when they went 11-2? They have a tough test tonight as they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder, so we’ll be finding out shortly whether to raise or lower the expectations for this team.

But coming out of the All-Star Break a few of the power rankings have Indiana making its way back into the top 10 while others still have plenty of doubts on exactly what this team is and what it is going to be.

This week the Pacers have an average ranking of 10th, moving up an average of 0.4 spots.

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NBA.com’s John Schuhmann had a mix of stats that shine positively on the Pacers while mentioning they’ve been terrible on the road this season.

"With a point differential that’s better than their record and a relatively easy remaining schedule, the Pacers wouldn’t be a bad pick to move up a spot or two in the East. But they play nine of their first 13 post-break games on the road, where they’re 5-13 since early December. They could certainly use a boost to their offense at the deadline, but will still depend on a rookie (Myles Turner) more than any other good team down the stretch."

Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Woo didn’t have a comment on Indiana as much as he had a burning question that the Pacers need to answer.

"Can they strike a balance? The flip-flopping between big and small lineups has sort of defined their season. Though things have been better of late, ultimately the Pacers need to decide who they are."

But CBS Sports’ Matt Moore had the harshest criticism this week as he dropped Indiana one spot in his power rankings.

"See, when you build a smallball unit, you should be able to outscore teams. Instead the Pacers are “pretty good” defensively and “not so hot” offensively (21st in offense per possession over the past month). This is not a great recipe for postseason success. Defense wins in the playoffs, but rarely with smallball recipes. (Do not bring me Golden State comparisons; this team is not that.)"

Can’t argue with that.

Next: 8p9s Roundtable: Trade Deadline Disappointment

As mentioned above, the Pacers have Oklahoma City tonight before facing the Orlando Magic on Sunday. If they play anything like they did against the Charlotte Hornets before All-Star Weekend, it could be a long second half of the season for the Indiana Pacers.

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