They’re not there yet, but the Indiana Pacers are very close to clinching a playoff birth for the second straight season. They have some rotational decisions to make, though.
There’s typically three things you want your team doing heading into the playoffs: playing consistently good basketball, having a healthy roster and having the rotation figured out. At least the Indiana Pacers have one of those three things going for them.
They’ve won three straight games, but they’re still dealing with some injuries and as we’re about about to examine, have some decisions to make regarding their rotation.
Thanks to the emergence of Lance Stephenson and those injuries, the answers aren’t as obvious as you’d expect for a team getting ready for the playoffs.
Does Monta Ellis start?
The starting shooting guard spot is a question mark for the Pacers. Monta Ellis has started 8 straight games, averaging 8.1 points per game. He gives the Pacers another play-maker in the starting lineup, as Paul George has pointed out, but he’s had his struggles guarding larger shooting guards. For instance, if the Pacers were to play the Toronto Raptors in the first round, Ellis would have no choice but to guard DeMar DeRozan or DeMarre Carroll if he starts.
Lance Stephenson is a great defensive player and has been playing well, but it could be too soon to insert him as a starter. Since re-signing with the Pacers, Lance has averaged 8.3 points, 3 rebounds and 3.5 assists a game. He’s also shot 5 of 7 from deep, good for 71.4%. He was shooting 1 of 12 on 3-pointers before joining the Pacers.
I believe the Pacers should definitely consider making Lance a starter. He solves some of the size and defensive issues that the Pacers dealt with this season. Ellis did well in the 6th Man role recently as well, another good reason for the Pacers to try this.
Kevin Seraphin or Al Jefferson?
This is a very hard decision for me, so I can only imagine how tough it is for Nate McMillan. Kevin Seraphin has backed up Myles Turner for two straight games. In those two games, he’s been excellent. He’s averaged 11 points and 5.5 rebounds in 20.5 minutes per game. He’s brought offense, solid foul-shooting, and toughness.
Benching Al Jefferson in the playoffs, though? Big Al is coming off of a sprained ankle and has been available to play for two straight games, but he hasn’t left the bench. Part of me says I simply can’t bench Jefferson in the playoffs despite his defensive woes. He’s too experienced and too good of a player. If you need a bucket, throw it to Al in the post and there’s a good chance that ball goes through the hoop.
Glenn Robinson III’s Return
Glenn Robinson III exceeded expectations for the Pacers this season. He started 27 games, averaged 6.1 points and shot nearly 40% from deep. Glenn also played some standout defense. If the Pacers want him in their rotation, someone will have to drop out of it. He even showed some clutch with the game-winner against the Atlanta Hawks.
The two people I think that would be most likely to drop out of the rotation with Glenn returning would be Aaron Brooks or Lavoy Allen. The Pacers could have Lance Stephenson playing some backup point. They could also play some small-ball with Paul George playing some backup four, along with C.J. Miles.
Next: The Danger of Rebuilding on the Fly
Despite these rotation issues they need to iron out, I think it’s clear no higher seed wants to see the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs. Paul George is going nuts right now. When you have a player playing that well, anything can happen in a 7-game series. George is averaging 26.1 points since the All-Star break. Again, anything can happen come playoff time.