8 points, 9 seconds
Fansided

Opening night is winning time for the Indiana Pacers

By Andrew Patton

INDIANAPOLIS - FEBRUARY 9: Boomer, mascot of the Indiana Pacers, and the Pacemates dance team perform during the game against the Chicago Bulls on February 9, 2010 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Bulls won 109-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - FEBRUARY 9: Boomer, mascot of the Indiana Pacers, and the Pacemates dance team perform during the game against the Chicago Bulls on February 9, 2010 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Bulls won 109-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Opening night has been favorable for the Indiana Pacers in the past. The team looks to build on the early success in the season opener against the Detroit Pistons.

The past eight season openers for the Indiana Pacers have a common theme. The Pacers are in it to win it. The team has reeled off seven wins in those eight contests for a winning percentage nearing 88 percent.

This includes wins over the Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors, and Detroit Pistons. The lone loss was in 2015 to the Raptors.

Every win, except for the 90-88 nail-biting victory in Toronto in 2012, was by at least nine points. Credit has to be given to the coaches, players, and organization for being prepared to start the season.

The largest margin of victory came last year with a 28-point blowout over the visiting Memphis Grizzlies. Former Pacer Bojan Bogdanovic led all scorers with 19 and was one of seven Pacers to score in double figures.

It’s important for the Pacers to get off to a good start this year due to so many unanswered questions.

When will Victor Oladipo return? How long will it take to build chemistry with nine new players? Will the experiment to play Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis together work?

A soft schedule in October/November brings the opportunity to get off to a great start once again.

The Pacers have 11 home games versus eight road games and have matchups against the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, Grizzlies, and Atlanta Hawks. All of those teams missed the playoffs last year.

This year’s opening night contest is a matchup with the Detroit Pistons in the friendly confines of Banker’s Life Fieldhouse.

Next. Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons: Season opener preview. dark

Will the Pacers continue their opening night excellence?

Recent history says yes.

Home/Pacers News