How do the Indiana Pacers stack up in the new East?
Tier 1: Contenders
Boston Celtics | Brooklyn Nets | Indiana Pacers |
Milwaukee Bucks | Philadelphia 76ers |
Each one of these five are taking different approaches to their teams this upcoming season, which is exciting. We already talked about the Pacers, who are going to pair a switchable, attacking back court with a big front court.
The Bucks are running back what mostly worked last year, surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo with floor-spacers. Losing Brogdon will hurt, though.
The Celtics are telling the post to “screw off” and are trusting that a team of wings will do the trick.
The 76ers are doing the opposite. Philly is banking that opposing teams will find the Sixers 90’s style front court impenetrable.
The Nets will be similar to the Celtics, but with a shot blocker in the middle of switchable wings, fronted by the explosive Kyrie Irving.
The contrasting styles will be interesting to follow all season, and it will be intriguing to see how the teams try to exploit the other’s weaknesses.
Next. Brogdon, for the Pacers, is greater than Russell. dark
Will teams be able to outrace the Sixers, prod the Indiana Pacers’ less than savory depth, punish the smaller Celtics, use the increased wing talent to swarm Milwaukee’s Antetokounmpo, or force the Nets’ other players to do the damage? There is no juggernaut this year. Milwaukee will likely enter the season the justifiable favorite, but they are far from unstoppable. The top of the East will be much better next year, and the Pacers should be right in the thick of it.