Pacers Bench vs 76ers Bench
The Pacers bench can be summed up in one word right now: short. The only players getting consistent minutes right now are Cory Joseph, Lance Stephenson, and Domantas Sabonis. Any injury would devastate the depth of this team, though many guys have seen minutes this year (Glenn Robinson III, Trevor Booker, Joe Young, and Al Jefferson have all been in the rotation at some point). The 2nd unit has really struggled to score at times, and often play together in hockey-style substitutions (which we’re begging Nate McMillan to please not do anymore).
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The Sixers 2nd unit is suddenly much more interesting since Markelle Fultz’ unexpected return. His shot still isn’t there, but it’s certainly looked better than the awful form he started the year with. He’s still a total unknown, but his speed and athleticism are there in spades, as is his court vision. T.J. McConnell will certainly see minutes, but he’s moved to an off-ball role with Fultz back. McConnell has only attempted 59 threes this season and compacts spacing whenever he doesn’t have the ball. Marco Belinelli and Ersan Ilyasova are competent veteran shooters, but both can be picked on when on defense.
Advantage: Pacers bench, slightly.
Markelle Fultz can singlehandedly turn this around, but he’d have to improve significantly in just a few weeks. For now, it’s more likely he’s going to continue to play at this same level has. If he’s even able to play like a good lottery pick (let alone a first pick), this becomes very, very close. For the Pacers, they’re going to need one of those “sometimes” rotation guys to step up in a big spot at some point. My money’s on Trevor Booker, and I think he succeeds.