Indiana Pacers: 3 advantages the team has over potential play-in opponents

The Domas Factor: Really, who’s guarding Domantas Sabonis?

Atop the scouting reports and game plans on guarding the Indiana Pacers is All-Star Domantas Sabonis, who’s having another wonderful season. Domas is currently averaging a mind-blowing 20.4/12.0/6.6 stat line on 54 percent shooting from the floor. With his point-producing prowess as a scorer and facilitator, the three teams competing with them in the play-in tournament will certainly have a LOT on their plate guarding the Lithuanian.

Between Tristan Thompson, Cody Zeller and Robin Lopez, their potential play-in matchups do not possess a big man in their defensive repertoire who can constantly serve as a thorn on the side of Sabonis. That, combined with his recent blitzkrieg stretch, will be enhance Indiana’s chances against their adversaries.

With Domas featured in a Jokic-like role as the team’s primary option in the half-court set, all eyes will be on him in an attempt to thwart the Pacers’ varied attack. Fortunately, his excellent passing ability makes guarding him more than just preventing him from going to the rack, or collapsing on the paint to limit the room for his elegant footwork in the post.

While not a knockdown shooter, Sabonis can also hit from downtown and hit the occasional mid ranger. This helps in making the defense scramble since he can hit from the perimeter against plodding centers, or post-up to punish smaller defenders.

Domantas Sabonis isn’t the entire Indiana Pacers, but he provides so much to the team’s offense that stopping him will certainly put the Navy and Gold in a very tough spot in scoring. Luckily, Pacers fans can rest easy knowing that the two-time All-Star has the definite edge over his potential counterparts, giving Indiana a bigger chance to secure a playoff berth and extend their season.