The Indiana Pacers can start the season strong if they focus on these three things.
The Indiana Pacers are set to play two preseason away games against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 12 and 14 before returning to Bankers Life Fieldhouse to face the Philadelphia 76ers on December 18. Coach Bjorkgren can make a strong first impression on fans if the Pacers can do these three things before the season officially starts on December 22.
Win At Least Two of the Three Games
If the Pacers are committed to running last year’s team back, they should be firing on all cylinders from tip-off. The Pacers need to make a statement early and often this season, and there should be no excuse for the Pacers to lose a game against a Cavaliers team that finished the season with a 19-46 record.
When the Sixers come to town on December 18 for the last preseason game, the Pacers should be focused on their season opener, so it would be understandable if the Pacers work on the development of the younger talent but winning should still be a priority.
The Pacers convincingly beat the Sixers in three of the four meetings last season, including T.J. Warren‘s Bubble Game. The Pacers matchup on December 18 could be an interesting test for both squads to see if new Sixer additions such as Seth Curry or Dwight Howard will move the needle in Philadelphia’s favor.