The Indiana Pacers have been an early season surprise for many NBA fans. They currently are sitting at 9-6 and are on a four-game win streak for the first time in years. But why have they been good so far? In this article, we begin to answer that question by looking at the top five lineups, ranked by point differential per 100 possessions, that the Indiana Pacers have used this season that played at least 20 minutes on the court together. While this is certainly a small sample size, it gives an interesting insight into what lineups are currently working for the Pacers.
5. Haliburton, Hield, Jackson, Mathurin, Smith (33:31 MP, +8.8 points)
This first group is interesting, consisting of both members of the starting unit (Haliburton, Hield, and Smith) and a few players that have consistently come off the bench (Jackson and Mathurin). Haliburton, Hield, and Mathurin have all been consistent scoring options for the Pacers and it is no surprise that they show up in this lineup along with many of the other lineups in the top five.
Haliburton and Jackson have been electric this season so far, giving us one-look passes, amazing pick-and-rolls, and athletic dunks at the rim. With that level of threat at the rim, it has largely opened up shot opportunities for both Hield and Mathurin around the three-point line. This lineup is a potent one that could get points on the board quickly.