Indiana Pacers: Thoughts before Pacers vs. Mavericks tonight
The Indiana Pacers look to continue where they left off before the trade deadline by looking for a win in Dallas tonight. The Pacers defeated the Detroit Pistons two nights ago as Caris LeVert sealed the game with a step-back three that was absolutely beautiful. Before the start of tonight’s game, I had some thoughts on the Pacers.
T.J. Warren will not return to the Indiana Pacers this season
The sad news of T.J. Warren not returning this season due to a left foot fracture finally became a reality. Shortly after the trade deadline had passed it was announced that T.J. Warren would be out for the remainder of the season.
The roster is now seemingly set with the players we have and the Pacers will have to hunker down and figure out how to get back into the East playoff picture. The Pacers currently sit at the ninth spot in the East and are a half-game out of the eighth spot. With the hopes of T.J. Warren coming to save the day gone, can the Pacers rally around themselves and make a playoff push?
Edmond Sumner
I believe all Pacers fans will be in agreeance with me that it is finally time that Edmond Sumner becomes a key part of the rotation. Sumner is coming off one of his best games this year in which he exploded for 18 points and three assists off the bench against the Pistons.
Sumner has been playing at a very high level as of late, providing energy and defense off the bench for the Pacers. It finally seems like Edmond is really hitting his stride and finding his place in the rotation. With Warren out for the rest of the season, minutes will be there for Sumner to showcase what he can do. I like him over Aaron Holiday in the rotation at the moment.
Caris LeVert
Caris LeVert had his best game in a Pacers uniform Wednesday as he scored 28 points and hit the game-clinching shot against the Pistons. LeVert seems like he is finally getting back to his old form before he was traded to the Pacers.
This comes at the perfect time because the Pacers need another ball-handling threat on the court to help free up Brogdon when the offense grows stale. The more comfortable LeVert gets within the system the more the Pacers will look to lean on him in critical moments. If the Pacers want to get out of the first round LeVert’s form will be critical to their success.
Oshae Brissett debut tonight?
The Pacers waived Jalen Lecque yesterday to make way to sign Oshae Brissett to a 10-day contract. Brissett played for the Mad Ants in the G-League bubble and was awarded 2nd-Team honors. Brissett averaged 18.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in the G-League bubble.
The Pacers will get to have a solid look at Brissett and gives Nate Bjorkgren another versatile wing at his disposal. Hopefully, we will get to see some minutes from him tonight and a glimpse of what he can bring to the team. I’m certainly intrigued to see what Brissett can do with this opportunity.