The numbers behind Turner-only and Sabonis-only lineups

What it means for the Indiana Pacers

For one, the Pacers’ prowess with Turner on the floor and Sabonis off, should provide Nate Bjorkgren with more lineup versatility and the ability to dial back the Lithuanian All-Star’s minutes. While a heavy minute load may not be the reason for the above numbers, it certainly would be in the team’s best interest to keep Sabonis fresher as the season wears on.

The numbers should also force Bjorkgren to re-evaluate the way he organizes his defense in the Sabonis-at-center minutes. Either providing Sabonis with more able defenders around him or dialing back the pressure, could help bring the defensive numbers back towards respectability.

It also provides a reason to keep the “Turbonis” duo around. The solo-Sabonis minutes have been dynamic in the past, and the solo-Turner minutes have been dynamic this season. Finding a way to unlock both of those lineups at the same time is one of the keys for the rest of the season. If it can be done, it allows the Pacers to stagger their minutes more and keep one of the two on the floor at all times in pivotal Playoff games.