How Do the Indiana Pacers Stack Up Against Potential Playoff Opponents?
By Luke Parrish
The Indiana Pacers are still fighting for a playoff spot, the question is, who would they have a realistic chance of beating?
The NBA Playoffs are just around the corner and the Indiana Pacers have 6 games remaining, currently sitting at 37-39. That’s just good enough to hang on for the 8th seed in the East. But who does Indiana want to meet in the postseason?
If they make the playoffs, it is most likely that the Pacers will end up in either the 7th or 8th seed in the East. Assuming they land a 7th or 8th seed, the Pacers will almost certainly match up with Boston or Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs. However, right now they are matched up with top-seeded Boston. If they keep sliding, they could be completely out.
Assuming that they don’t fall out of the playoffs entirely, here is a look at how Indiana fared against those potential opponents.
Potential First-Round Matchups
Boston: The Celtics swept the season series with Indiana (3-0) including 2 wins at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford can cause problems against anybody in the league, as evidence of Boston’s climb to the number 2 seed in the East.
The Celtics have outscored the Pacers by an average of 107-100 in these games, out rebounding the Pacers and forcing the Pacers into three more turnovers than their season average.
Washington: Indiana has also struggled to beat the Wizards, going 1-3 on the season against John Wall and company. The Pacers’ lone win came in the first matchup of the year with Indiana grinding out the 107-105 victory.
It is promising though that PG averaged 27.3 PPG in the season series. If we see Playoff Paul George, then anything is possible.
Washington is very good, but matchup-wise, it isn’t a worst-case scenario for the Pacers.
Toronto: There is still a slight chance Indiana could reach the 5th seed, which could set up a matchup with the Raptors. Toronto won the only matchup so far this season, 116-91. Kyle Lowry is expected to return for the playoffs, which is yet another weapon for Toronto.
Toronto beat Indy tonight to likely ensure that a first round matchup won’t happen.
Cleveland: Indiana does not want to fall to the 8th seed. Nobody wants to play Cleveland in the playoffs, even if Cleveland is struggling to look like the reigning champions in March.
Atlanta: Indiana and Atlanta have split the season series with one more meeting on the last night of the season. With the Hawks currently in the 4 spot in the East, don’t expect a first round matchup between these squads.
How To Survive and Advance
One key factor in making a deep playoff run is finding the right path. If Indiana winds up with a 6 or 7 seed, they most likely wouldn’t meet Cleveland until the Eastern Conference Finals. Obviously, they’d have to beat whomever they play before then, but that’s an issue for later.
It is unlikely, but if Indiana wants to have a real chance at escaping the first round, getting out of the 7th or 8th seed is key. Right now, they only have a 8% chance at the 6th seed and a 17% shot at the 7th. And if you were curious, it is a 4% chance of getting the 5th seed.
Next: Lance Stephenson Can’t Save the Indiana Pacers
It’ll be interesting to see how things shake up in the East. The Pacers haven’t helped themselves of late and haven’t gained really any ground in seeding. Plus, we all love some playoff Paul George.