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Indiana Pacers: Lack of rebounding and defense a major concern

By Andrew Patton

TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 05: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 05, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 05: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Doug McDermott #20 of the Indiana Pacers defends during the second half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 05, 2020 in Toronto, Canada. 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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The Indiana Pacers have had some issues exposed over the past few weeks. Rebounding and poor defense are at the forefront of the team’s woes.

The rebound battle is a major factor in winning basketball games and the Indiana Pacers must improve in this area to reach its full potential.

The Pacers currently rank 27th in the league in rebounds per game. Only the Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, and Washington Wizards rebound at a worse rate than the Pacers.

All those teams are sitting outside of the playoffs.

The Pacers have struggled going 3-7 in the last 10 games, a large part of that due to being outrebounded. But these woes are nothing new.

The Blue and Gold have only won the rebounding battle three times this season.

First, 46-34 over the Bulls on January 29th, 42-37 in Toronto on February 5th, and two days alter 47-39 against the Raptors once again, that time in Indianapolis.

In the ugly home loss to the New York Knicks, the Pacers were outrebounded 57-34. All the second chance opportunities ultimately won the game for New York.

The Pacers take on the Knicks this Friday and will need a much better effort on the boards.

Domantas Sabonis is doing his part. The Lithuanian big man and All-Star is currently ranked 6th in rebounds per game at 12.5 but needs some help from his teammates.

Every player on the floor for Indiana must have the mentality to gang rebound.

With so many opponents attempting as many or more 3-point shot attempts than 2-point attempts, it’s important that the Pacers’ guards must help in grabbing boards.

Looking ahead, rebounding will be even more important in the playoffs as each possession becomes more valuable.

Team defense is the other winning ingredient that the Pacers must include in order to make a run in the playoffs.

After starting the season as a top-10 team defensively, the Pacers have dwindled to be a bottom-10 team defensively between Christmas and the All-Star break.

The team is finally healthy and Victor Oladipo‘s minute restriction has been lifted. The defense and chemistry should improve quickly with the team at full strength.

The revival of Malcolm Brogdon will also help the defensive effort.

Prior to the All-Star break, Brogdon looked worn out. He hasn’t been the same player since returning from injury in January. The All-Star break came at the perfect time to revitalize Brogdon.

But a total team effort defensively is imperative.

Guards have to keep their man in front and not rely on Myles Turner to save them at the rim. It’s no secret that Turner is a tremendous rim protector, but guys can’t rely on him to pick up their slack. This pulls Turner off of his man which hurts rebounding as well.

Next. What no minute restriction for Victor Oladipo could mean for rotation. dark

The Pacers have 27 games to right the ship before the playoffs begin. The defense and rebounding must improve in order to advance past the first round of the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

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